Drone video shows how troops recovered Maute, Hapilon bodies

A drone video showed how government forces recovered the bodies of top terror leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute inside a building in Marawi City on Monday early morning.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Tuesday, Omar's body was first retrieved and pulled towards the Philippine Army's armored vehicle. Afterwards, they brought Isnilon's body.

Government forces did not immediately recognize the local terrorists until they were inside the military vehicle.

The mechanized unit of the Army first identified Isnilon, the "Emir" of ISIS in Southeast Asia.

The report said security forces composed of the Special Operations Forces, Mechanized Unit of the Army and some policemen guarded the building for a couple of days after getting information from rescued hostages that Isnilon and Omar were hiding in the area.

Soldiers fired tear gas in the building, prompting around 50 Maute group members and some hostages to vacate the area.

The military carefully observed them and targeted men who were holding weapons.

They easily identified Omar as he had trouble walking. A rescued hostage said Omar was hit by firearms on his two legs so it was difficult for him to walk.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced that Marawi City is finally liberated from the Maute group, a day after top terror leaders were killed.

Military operations are ongoing for the remaining Maute group members. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News