AFP regrets Maute patriarch death

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would rather have Cayamora Maute face the courts and be tried for his alleged involvements in the Marawi City crisis so that justice can be given to all victims of the terrorist attack.

"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," AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said in a message forwarded by the military's public affairs office.

The Maute patriarch died at the TaguigPateros Hospital due to various health complications around 3:07 p.m. Sunday.

Cayamora Maute is the father of Omar and Abdullah Maute, leaders of the Maute Group responsible for attacking and killing civilians and government troops in the ongoing Marawi City crisis that started last May 23.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson, Senior Insp. Xavier Solda, said the Maute patriarch was rushed to the TaguigPateros Hospital around 4:30 a.m. after complaining of weakness and difficulty in breathing.

The older Maute was immediately given antibiotics and constantly monitored, he added.

"He complained again of difficulty in breathing at around 12:30 p.m. Jail nurse conducted nebulization twice. He was supported with oxygen," Solda added.

Shortly after his detention at the BJMP facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, last June 8, Cayamora was diagnosed to be suffering from hypertension, diabetes, pneumonia and viral hepatitis.

Last Aug. 9, the 64year-old Maute complained of "body weakening and 'manas' (edema) and was placed in full medication and monitoring for a week until his medical condition improved," the BJMP spokesperson added.

On Aug. 13, another medical examination revealed that Cayamora was suffering from hypertension type 2, diabetes type 2, uncontrolled gastroenteritis and ascites.

Shortly after the senior Maute's death, his remains were immediately brought to the BJMP facility in Taguig for viewing of his family.

Solda said a "family representative" claimed Cayamora's body around 7:15 p.m. and brought to Bulacan for Muslim burial.

Cayamora was arrested in Davao City and brought to Metro Manila about two months ago following the May 23 Marawi City siege.

(PNA)