PCCI welcomes latest development in Marawi siege

The business community on Monday praised the recent developments in Marawi City, where government troops were able to neutralize leaders of the Abu Sayaff and Maute terrorist groups.

"That's a good development, and as expected, because they were already cornered," George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), told GMA News Online.

Abu Sayaff leader Isnilon Hapilon, reportedly the emir of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia, and IS-linked Maute group leader Omar Maute, were confirmed as having been killed in battle, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday.

"Without him [Hapilon], the war will end and, hopefully, peace will return soon," Barcelon said.

The military announcement comes a day after the October 15 self-imposed deadline to end the conflict in the war-torn city.

Both Hapilon and Maute were killed during a rescue operation  by government troops in Marawi City.

In August, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III assured the business community that the armed conflict in the capital of Lanao del Sur would soon be over.

"Business people are looking for a quicker solution, and I believe it is coming in soon," Dominguez said. — VDS, GMA News