MALACAÑANG welcomed Wednesday news of the arrest of Cayamora Maute, the father of the two alleged leaders of the Maute terror group, which is currently fighting state forces in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a statement, said the arrest of Cayamora is a "significant step" in the government's fight against terrorism.
"The arrest of Cayamora Maute, the father of the Maute brothers Omar and Abdullah, at a military checkpoint is a welcome development to break the cycle of lawlessness in some areas in Mindanao," Abella said.
President Rodrigo Duterte has recently offered P5 million each for the capture of Maute brothers Abduhallah and Omar.
"The apprehension of the Maute patriarch is a significant step to prevent and suppress future terrorist acts, and we thank Task Force Davao for its quick response," he added.
The older Maute and four others were apprehended at a Davao City checkpoint by operatives of the Task Force Davao.
Maute was aboard a black Toyota Grandia van with his daughter Norjananah Balawag Maute and her husband Benzarali Tinglao; his second wife Kongan Alfonso Balawag; and driver Aljon Salazar Ismael. They were arrested during a routine check.
Authorities consider the 67-year-old Maute patriarch as the brains of the Maute terror group, which perpetrated the Marawi siege on May 23.
Cayamora Maute is currently detained at the Davao City Police Office.
Abella urged the public to exercise vigilance as the government seeks to restore peace and order in the country.
"Let us therefore continue our vigilance and never lose sight of our common objective of bringing peace and development in the entire country," he said.
On May 23, Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law to suppress the lawlessness committed by the Maute group. The resulting clashes killed hundreds of people, including rebels, state forces and civilians. (VoxPop Philippines)
