Hapilon may have escaped from Marawi

Security check: A soldier inspecting bus passengers outside Iligan as government forces continue their assault on Marawi City. — Reuters

Marawi: One of America’s most wanted terrorists may have escaped a five-week battle with Islamist mili­tants in a southern Philippine city, which began with a raid to capture him.

Isnilon Hapilon, a veteran Fili­pino militant said to be the leader of the Islamic State (IS) group in South-East Asia, has not been seen in the battle zone in Marawi City, said Lt-Gen Carlito Galvez, head of the military’s Western Mindanao Command.