AFP still verifying reported death of Malaysian financier of Maute group

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is still verifying reports that Malaysian Mahmud bin Ahmad, an alleged Maute group financier, was killed during the ongoing firefight in Marawi City.

"Itong si Mahmud na sinasabing naging financier ay....'yan pong mga 'yan ay raw information pa rin na kinakailangan pa pong bigyan ng patibay at sinisikap namin gawin yon," AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in an interview on Unang Balita.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella earlier said that he would not officially confirm the death unless the government troops recovered the remains.

However, according to a separate report on Unang Balita, the AFP had said that Mahmud had been dead as early as last month in the thick of the clashes.

Mahmud, a former university professor, was said to have sourced out around P30 million for the weapons and ammunition of the Maute group.

Mahmud was also said to be present in videos wherein Maute group leaders Abdullah Romato and Omar Cayam Maute, including Isnilon Hapilon who was said to be appointed as an "emir" of ISIS in the Philippines, were plotting their attack in Marawi City. —Marlly Rome Bondoc/KG/KVD, GMA News