MAUTE PATRIARCH UNDER CUSTODY

Cayamora Maute, 67, and four others were arrested by authorities in a checkpoint in Toril, Davao City

Authorities in Davao City yesterday arrested one of the top leaders of the Maute group at a checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril, Davao City.

During a press conference at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, Eastern Mindanao Command deputy commander, confirmed that they have Cayamora Maute under custody along with four others.

Cayamora is the father of the Maute brothers, who are the frontrunners of the Isis-inspired local terrorist Maute group, which laid siege to Marawi City last May 23. He is reportedly the brains of the group.

Cayamora was arrested with his daughter Norjannah, her husband Benzarali Tinglao, Cayamora's second wife Kongan Alfonso Balawag; and their driver Aljon Salazar Ismael during a routine check around 10 a.m.

One of the soldiers noticed a man seated at the back covered with a blanket.

When they asked him to show his face, one of the soldiers noticed his resemblance to the photo on the tarpaulin signs of wanted terrorists posted in all checkpoints in the city.

The group was brought to DCPO for further investigation to confirm their identities.

During cross-examination, Cayamora, who initially gave a false name, admitted that is the one on the terrorist gallery.

Taken from their possession were P363,000 in cash, several IDs, a pistol, a grenade and personal belongings. Their black Grandia van was also impounded.

Outstanding warrants

Gapay said Cayamora will be detained in DCPO under the virtue of an arrest order issued by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for rebellion.

Police Regional Office II Director Manuel Gaerlan said that Cayamora and Norjannah have an outstanding warrant of arrest for kidnapping, illegal detention, and illegal possession of explosives issued by the Regional Trial Court in Lanao del Sur.

Aljon, for his part, said he didn't know that his passengers belong to a terrorist group. He said he just drove the rental van from Cotabato City.

He said he was first instructed to bring the group to Tagum City, but this was changed to Davao City instead.

Cayamora reportedly needs to undergo medical treatment.

Gaerlan said that Aljon will still be investigated because the latter might be lying.

Aljon's sister Ysmaila posted on Sun.Star Davao Facebook page that her brother is innocent.

"We own a rent-a-car business. Aljon is the son of the owner. We had no way of knowing his passengers belong to the Maute group. Even if we conducted a background, they wouldn't admit to being terrorists,” she said in Tagalog.

Gaerlan meanwhile commended the vigilance implemented by the task force that led to the arrest of the terrorist group.