Military working to verify report of 39 Maute stragglers in Marawi

From GMA News Online (Nov 5): Military working to verify report of 39 Maute stragglers in Marawi

Government troops are working to verify a claim that at least 39 Maute stragglers remain in Marawi City.

"Wala kaming numbers pero, basta't hinahabol natin...So yung sinabi ni Indonesian, si Syahputra na 39 biniverify pa natin 'yun," Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner told reporters Sunday.

He said that troops are closely monitoring the main battle area, which has 24 barangays, and added that any remaining stragglers no longer pose a serious threat.

Brawner said that they also could not confirm the number of foreign terrorists remaining.

"Mixed 'yan, may mga bata, so hindi lahat fighters," he said.

An Indonesian identified as Muhammad Ilham Syahputra allegedly linked to the pro-ISIS Maute group was arrested on November by members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams of Barangay Loksadatu and turned over to the police and military. He told officials that at least 39 Maute stragglers, including foreigners, still roam the area.

Syahputra was charged with rebellion and violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulatory Act (Republic Act 10591), Law on Explosives (Republic Act 9516) and International Humanitarian Law (Republic Act 9581).

At least three Maute group members, including the alleged right-hand man of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon were killed last week as government troops continue to pursue the group's remnants in Marawi City.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/631987/military-working-to-verify-report-of-39-maute-stragglers-in-marawi/story/