[ABS-CBN] One of the Maute brothers is likely dead, said Philippine military chief of staff Eduardo Año on Thursday. He said Omarkhayam Maute was most likely killed in the siege of Marawi City but his brother, Abdullah, is still alive and is still in Marawi along with Isnilon Hapilon, the alleged regional Islamic State leader.He did not say when Omar was killed or provide proof.
Philippine Army 1st Infantry Division spokesperson Jo-Ar Herrera earlier said the military was confirming reports that Omar and his brother Madie were killed in the Marawi clashes. He said, "There are reports that Omar and Madie were killed in the operations. We are still validating this report but there are strong indications that they [were] killed."
The reported death of the two militants came after the arrest of their parents. The Maute patriarch was arrested on June 6 at a checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril, Davao City. Farhana Maute was apprehended on June 10 in Masiu, Lanao del Sur while trying to leave the province.