(Eagle News)–Authorities have confirmed the death of Maute leader Abu Dar in an encounter with the military in Lanao del Sur.
The death of the terrorist in the March 14 encounter in Tubaran was confirmed by a DNA test conducted by the United States upon the request of Philippine authorities.
The Maute leader was believed to be the only one who escaped from Marawi after the military took it from local terrorists who overran it in 2017.
He was also regarded as the successor to Isnilon Hapilon, who was seen by international terrorist group ISIS as the emir in Southeast Asia.
Hapilon, together with the Maute brothers who led the siege in Marawi, was killed by the military.