Father's Maute Bothers arrested in Davao

Cayamora Maute beside the van he was riding when he was stopped by Task Force Davao at a checkpoint. Photo courtesy of Davao City Police.

(1st UPDATE) The head of the Maute clan was apprehended Tuesday morning at a checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril, Davao City. 

Cayamora Maute, father of Maute brothers Omar and Abdullah who are fighting government forces in Marawi City, was apprehended in a Toyota Grandia van that was stopped by Task Force Davao at a checkpoint.

Lt. Col. Nestor Mondia, Task Force Davao checkpoint commander, said they stopped the van when they noticed one of them was wearing a surgical mask and bore a resemblance to Cayamora.

In a press briefing, Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, regional director of Philippine National Police XI, said Cayamora confirmed his identity.

"First of all, basing on the picture muna and secondly, the person confirmed his identity. Of course, we will have other identification procedures later on through his fingerprints and other scientific means of identification," he said.

Gaerlan added that they are still investigating if Cayamora is one of the rebel Maute group's top leaders.

"That is still the subject of our investigation. He has the right to remain silent and we will not pursue that matter unless he is assisted by his lawyer," he said.

Task Force Davao also discovered a grenade and .45 caliber pistol inside the van.

A .45 caliber pistol was discovered, along with a grenade, inside the van used by Cayamora Maute.

The military said the suspected Maute leader was accompanied by his second wife, Kongan Balawag, his daughter Norjanah Maute, his son-in-law Benzarali Tingao, and van driver Aljon Salazar Ismael.

The van and the 6 people on board were brought to Davao City Police Office for documentation and interview.

Police said the Maute family came from Cotabato City and went to Davao City because Cayamora was scheduled to undergo medical check-up, but his illness is still unknown.

Cayamora underwent initial medical check-up at Central 911, Davao City's emergency rescue service. 

The Maute family and their driver will be detained and interrogated in the Davao City Police Office.

Gaerlan told the rebel Maute brothers to take care of their hostages in Marawi City as the authorities will also take care of Cayamora.

source: abs-cbn