MOST WANTED. Government security forces apprehend Cayamora Maute, the patriarch of the Maute Clan in Lanao del sur at the Sirawan, Toril checkpoint while attempting to enter Davao City onboard a black Toyota Hiace Grandia van on Tuesday, June 6 at around 10 a.m. Cayamora claims that he was on his way to have a medical checkup because he has difficulty in hearing and experiencing coughing. Security officials in the scene say Cayamora conceal his face at the checkpoint. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Cayamora Maute, said to be the patriarch of the Maute Group along with four other companions that include his daughter and second wife were nabbed by security officials in a checkpoint at Sirawan, Toril here at around 10 am on Tuesday.
In a press conference at the Davao City Police Office Headquarters, Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay confirmed the identities of Cayamora’s companions as Kongan Alfonso Balawag, Norjana Balawag Maute, Esmael, Aljon Salazar and Benzarali Tingao.
Norjana was said to be Cayamora’s daughter to his second wife, Kongan. Tingao meanwhile, was Norhana’s husband.
The group was apprehended by members of the Task Force while boarding a black Toyota Grandia van driven by Salazar.
GETAWAY VEHICLE. A black Toyota Hiace Grandia Van with the plate number NES 219 was used by Cayamora Maute, and four other companions including his second wife, daughter, and son-in-law in trying to enter Davao City. Security officials arrest them when they attempt to enter Davao City through the Sirawan, Toril checkpoint on Tuesday, June 6. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
Gapay said authorities found P353,000 in cash, several identification cards, and personal belongings in the group’s possession.
“This apprehension of Cayamora Maute together with his companion is a big blow to the Maute-ISIS terrorist group. As the patriarch of the Maute clan, Mr. Cayamora Maute is considered one of the brains behind the Maute-Isis terror group,” Gapay said.
The four will be detained in the DCPO headquarters while undergoing interrogation.
Cayamora and Norhana were among the 129 individuals included in the first arrest order issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on June 1 for acts of rebellion.
EVIDENCE. Government security forces find a P 353,000 in cash, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and a hand grenade in the black Toyota Hiace Grandia Van used by Cayamore Maute, the head of the Maute Clan. Cayamore and four other companions, including his second wife, daughter, son-in-law, and the driver are currently detained at the Davao City Police Office headquarters in San Pedro Street, Davao City. Security officials arrest them when they attempt to enter Davao City through the Sirawan, Toril checkpoint on Tuesday, June 6. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
Police Regional Office 11 Regional Director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan also revealed that Cayamora had standing warrants of arrest for five counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
His daughter meanwhile, was wanted for violation of Presidential Decree 1866 for illegal possession of blasting caps and other incendiary devices. The said order was issued by the Regional Trial Court 12 Branch 11 in Malabag, Lanao del Sur.
The ongoing Marawi siege was the main justification of the Martial Law in Mindanao imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte last month.
Before that, 15 individuals died in the Roxas night market blast in September last year, which was also suspected to be the Maute’s handiwork. The assault prompted Duterte to declare a nationwide State of Lawless Violence. (davaotoday.com)
