Palace hails arrest of Maute patriarch in Davao City

The arrest of the patriarch of the Maute family was a “welcome development to break the cycle of lawlessness in some areas in Mindanao," Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella made the remark following the arrest of Cayamora Maute, father of the brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute—the suspected leaders of ISIS-inspired bandit group.

“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,” Abella said.

“Let us therefore continue our vigilance and never lose sight of our common objective of bringing peace and development in the entire country,” he added.

The Maute patriarch was nabbed at a checkpoint in Toril, Davao City on Tuesday morning, together with his second wife Kongan Alfonso Balawag, daughter Norjannah Balawag Maute, and son-in-law Benzarali Tingao.

At least P360,000 in cash, a hand grenade, and a caliber .45 pistol were recovered from their van. —NB, GMA News