Philippines: Suspected Maute financiers, supporters arrested hinh anh 1Philippine soldiers (Photo: AFP/VNA)
   
Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine security forces have recently arrested three militants, including a alleged main financier and logistic supporter of the pro-Islamic State (IS) militant group that is currently withholding Marawi city in southern Philippines, the army said on July 5.

Spokesperson of the Philippine army Gilbert Gapay said the security forces also seized ammunition and materials to make bombs during a raid in a village in Marawi. 

One of the three arrested was a woman of the Maute clan, whose men-folk lead Marawi attack, he noted, adding that she played an important role in providing financial and logistic support for the militant group. 

Two of seven Maute brothers, Omar and Abdullah, were the main planners of the assault on Marawi, according the army.

Recently, the Southeast Asian region has been on alert after pro-IS gunmen attacked 
 
Since the fight occurred in Marawi city in Mindanao island on May 23, nearly 400 people died while over 200,000 have fled their home.

The militant group’s seizure of Marawi city has raised concern that they are trying to build a stronghold in Mindanao island, threatening the regional security.-VNA
VNA