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Malaysian bandit leader Amin Bacu believed killed in final clashes in Marawi


Malaysian terrorist Amin Bacu, the alleged new leader of the ISIS-inspired extremists in Marawi, is believed to be among the 42 bandits killed by government troops in the final clashes in the city, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.

“Very possible… that he was among those who were killed,” Lorenzana said in a press conference at the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Clark, Pampanga.

Bacu reportedly took over Maute after Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute leader Omar Maute were killed last week.

Lorenzana said there were no more militants inside Marawi City.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Eduardo Año said the troops conducted mopping operations to get the remaining Maute members.

He said the terrorists were then confined in two big buildings, one of which is a mosque where the last fighting occurred and where they were able to rescue more hostages.

President Rodrigo Duterte declaration Marawi free of terrorists on October 17.

“In that fighting, we gave a chance for these militants and terrorists to surrender but they fought to the last breath so wala tayong magagawa and when we counted a total 42 Maute-ISIS terrorists were killed,” Año said.

He said among those killed were two terrorists' wives who also fought the soldiers, and five foreign terrorists.

With the death of the 42, Año expressed confidence there were no more Maute members were able to escape.

“We accounted foreign terrorists, at that time mga five na lang, they are part of the 42 so we are very confident na walang nakatakas sa kanila,” he said.

Lorenzana said all the hostages have been recovered a couple of days back. —NB, GMA News

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