By Francis Wakefield Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo said they have yet to confirm information that a new Maute-Isis group leader has emerged already. AFP LOGO In an interview, Arevalo assured that whoever comes out as the new leader of the terror group, the AFP is hell bent on stopping them. Reports said Owayda Benito Marohomsar alias "Huwam" and "Abu Dar" said to be the new Maute leader. It was learned that Marohomsar managed to escape government forces who conducted an all-out assault of Marawi in efforts of liberating it from the hands of the terrorists. The terror leaders killed in the military assault include Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute-Isis group co-founder Omar Maute. "I cannot confirm that because I don't have any information regarding that but whoever is going to take over or attempting to take over we are set to defeat them," Arevalo said. "We owe our people that we prevent a repeat of what happened to Marawi City. But much as your AFP is doing its best to prevent what took place in Marawi, it’s important that the cooperation and help of our people is there as they knew the people in their area." "They should be active partners and participate in our government to report and monitor the movement of these people to prevent the spread of the virus brought by the Maute group," he added. Close to 1,000 Maute members including their leaders were killed following the five-month Marawi siege. During what seemed like a normal afternoon in Marawi City on May 23, 2017, a firefight erupted between the military and an undetermined number of men, later identifying themselves as the Maute group. The crossfire resulted in thousands of Maranaos fleeing to relatives, friends or evacuation centers in nearby areas. The chaos and destruction caused by these terrorists prompted President Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao, and to create a body that would help Marawi rise again when the war is over.