AFP: Maute leaders slain in Lanao Norte clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military is confident that the leader of the Maute group, Owaida Marohombsar, alias Abu Dar, was killed in recent operations in Lanao del Norte.

Col. Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they also received reports that Marohombsar’s likely successor, Abu Zakaria, was killed in the military offensive. 

Brawner said they are waiting for the result of the DNA test to confirm that the body recovered at the scene belongs to Marohombsar. 

“The scars on his arm, face, back and leg are indications that... the cadaver belongs to Abu Dar,” he said during his visit to the Western Mindanao Command.  

Brawner said Maute militants who recently surrendered and were arrested confirmed that Marohombsar was killed in military operations.

He said the bodies of Maute sub-leaders Abu Bilal, Zarkawi and Abu Tahir, a bomb expert and alleged  henchman of slain international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, were also recovered at the scene. 

Brawner said the death of the remaining Maute leaders is a big blow to the group.

 Soldiers are pursuing 15 other Maute militants.

At least 135 Maute surrenderees turned over 110 firearms.

The military said it received feelers for the surrender of more Maute militants through the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.