Sources say Isnilon Hapilon, Omar Maute dead; military mum

This image taken from undated video shows Isnilon Hapilon (center), the purported leader of the ISIS group in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon at a meeting of militants in an undisclosed location.  AP FILE

MARAWI CITY – The military here has declined to comment on reports that Marawi siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute have been killed as claimed by sources.

Sources, who did not want to be identified for lack of authority, said the two siege leaders were killed near midnight Sunday, in a battle that also led to rescue of 17 hostages.

Photos of their remains had already been taken and compared with photos taken when they were alive.

The sources said the photos appeared to have matched Maute and Hapilon’s file photos.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., the deputy commander of the Joint Task Group Ranao, was mum on the report although he confirmed the rescue of the 17 hostages – including women and children.

This was not the first time that Omar and Hapilon had been reported killed.

In June, Omar’s death was also reported but it turned out he was alive – albeit wounded.

Hapilon was also reportedly killed in a battle in Basilan a few years back but it turned out it was his son. /cbb