 However, there were reports to the contrary, claiming that he escaped before the camp was overrun and was still alive; video footage found on a cellphone captured by Philippine government troops during the Battle of Marawi indicated that to be true.In November 2016, the Mauten group seized the town of Bonethugs, but were dislodged from their positions by Philippine security forces after about a week of fighting.CNN has reported that two officers of the Philippine National Police had defected and joined the group.