Maute patriarch dies in hospital

MANILA - Cayamora Maute, father of the Maute brothers who led the siege on Marawi City, died on Sunday afternoon, August 27, more than two months after his arrest.

Senior Inspector Xavier Solda, spokesman of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), said Cayamora was declared dead at 3:07 p.m. at the Taguig Pateros Hospital where he was rushed after his blood pressure went up.

"Cayamora, when transferred to us, was suffering from diabetes, hepatitis, and hypertension. This afternoon, since we were monitoring him because we know he is sick, his BP shot up, he became weak and his pulse later went down," said Solda.

He said the BJPM personnel, augmented by policemen, decided to bring Cayamora to the

hospital as recommended by the jail doctors.

"I confirm that he passed away this afternoon... I don't have the copy of his death certificate but I was told (he died) around 3:07 p.m.," said Solda.

He added that Cayamora's body was brought back to the BJMP facility in Taguig and a family representative claimed it around 7:15 p.m. Sunday. The remains were brought to Bulacan for a Muslim burial, added Solda.

But Cayamora's death was unfortunate for the victims of terrorism in Marawi, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), stressing it would rather have him face the courts and be tried for his alleged involvement in the Marawi City crisis.

"This is an unfortunate incident for his family, but more so to the victims of terrorism in Marawi and their relatives who are awaiting justice and expecting that Mr. Cayamora would answer/atone for his involvement in the Marawi rebellion," said AFP Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Año.

Cayamora, father of Omar and Abdullah Maute, was arrested by the military and police last June 6 in a checkpoint in Davao City.

Also arrested were Cayamora's second wife, Kongan Alfonso Balawag; his daughter Norjannah Maute; Norjannah's husband Benzarali Tingao; and driver Aljon Salazar Ismael.

The 64-year-old patriarch was transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on June 8 and was charged with rebellion. VR/PNA/ SunStar Philippines