MANILA,
May 23 — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that the ongoing
clash with military and Maute Group members in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur is
aimed at neutralizing Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who was spotted along
with an estimated 15 followers in the area Tuesday.
AFP
spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla made the statement when asked by the
PNA for information on the fighting which reportedly started 2 p.m.
Around
five government security troops were reported wounded in the fighting.
"Contrary
to reports and rumors you are receiving, the AFP-PNP initiated this operation
in Marawi. We received reliable info on Hapilon and a number of his cohorts.
Updates to follow as the operation is still ongoing. Please do not believe
propaganda from other groups, " he added.
Hapilon
was reported severely wounded in the series of military operations in Lanao Del
Sur early this January.
The
former is reportedly the representative of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
terror group in the Philippines. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
