Arrest of Maute matriarch a ‘severe blow’ to terrorist group –Lorenzana

The arrest of Maute matriarch Ominta Romato Maute, alias Farhana, last week is a "severe blow" to the terrorist group, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Sunday.

In a press conference, Lorenzana noted that Maute's arrest already weakens the group's operations, given her vast connections in the country and abroad.

"Farhana is known as the local terrorist group's adviser, financier, and provider owing to her vast financial resources drawn locally and abroad. Aside from that, she has strong influence on the Maute children. Hence her arrest deals a severe blow," he said.

Farhana was arrested in Masiu, Lanao del Sur on Friday night along with two wounded Maute members and seven still unidentified women.

Lorenzana said government forces confiscated one M14 rifle, four grenade rifles, and two improvised rocket-propelled grenades from Farhana's group.

He added the military is verifying if Farhana had come from the burial of sons Madie and Omar Maute, who were reportedly killed in the continuing clashes with the military in Marawi City.

Lorenzana said Farhana was immediately taken out of Lanao del Sur to stymie any plans to free her.

"If you look at the hierarchy of the Maranaoans, they respect their elders, especially the mother, kaya we immediately flew Farhana out of the area," he said.

Lorenzana also hailed the arrest of family patriarch Cayamora Maute at a checkpoint in Davao City.

The elder Maute was nabbed together with his second wife Kongan Alfonso Balawag, daughter Norjannah Balawag Maute, and son-in-law Benzarali Tingao.

A .45-caliber pistol, magazines, cash, and several IDs were recovered from the group, according to Lorenzana.

"This couple are actually the head, and the financier and the adviser of this Maute group, kaya malaki na nakuha natin sila," the Defense chief said.

Lorenzana also said that as of Sunday, at least 191 members of the Maute group have been confirmed killed by government forces since clashes broke out in Marawi City on May 23. At least 154 firearms were also recovered.

A total of 1,613 trapped civilians have been rescued and transferred to safer grounds. Twenty civilians, however, were killed by terrorists. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/BM, GMA News