‘Abu Dar’ is new IS

were also residents of Lanao del Sur.

Hapilon, he said, was more IS leader had more experience, training and was much older than his successor.

“I am just not sure how old Hapilon was…Abu Dar, among knows all the connections, which is why he replaced Hapilon as the ‘emir’ or the leader [of IS in South

“The only thing keeping Abu Dar strong is that he has con he added.

The IS-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City in May last year following a botched military of arrest against Hapilon in the Islamic city.

Fighting resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 - ians and terrorists.

The war prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.

In October, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and former Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año announced the termination of combat operations in Marawi City, days after Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute were killed in a pre-dawn operation led by the Army’s Scout Ranger Battalion.

Lomondot’s arrest

- ter the arrest of alleged Maute sub- leader Abdul Nasser Lomondot by the Manila Police

According to Suscano, at least group escaped Marawi City after the siege.

Of the 313, 10 are sub- leaders, including Lomondot, the official said.

“Normally, when they are operating, he ( Lomondot) is not alone. [He is with] at least two to four [persons] but they are hiding on their own. They might be hiding with their kin in Manila he pointed out.

“Primarily, they are only hiding. Of course, they are trained and they will turn into criminals. They can rob and they can commit any