(CNN Philippines, June 8) — Former Marawi Mayor Fajad “Pre” Salic denies involvement in the terror attack on the city.
Authorities arrested him for rebellion in line with the order issued by Defense Secretary and martial law administrator Delfin Lorrenzana dated June 5..
READ: Ex-Marawi mayor arrested for rebellion
Arrest Order No. 02 stated that authorities can arrest, take into custody, and investigate the 185 people named for rebellion or related crimes.
Salic was on board his white Ford Ranger pick up when it was flagged down by police and soldiers in Misamis Oriental.
Salic said he was bound for his house in Cagayan de Oro City from Butuan City.
“Uuwi ako sa bahay ko sa Cagayan galing akong Butuan. Sinabihan akong bumaba kasi kasali ako sa listahan na aarestuhin daw ako,” Salic told the media.
[I was headed to my house in Cagayan, coming from Butuan. I was told to get down from the vehicle because I was included in the list and I was going to be arrested.]
“Hindi ako nagtago. Hindi ko po alam na kasali ako sa arrest order,” Salic added.
[Translation: I did not hide. I didn’t know that I was included in the arrest oirder.]
Salic denied having a hand on the Maute attacks in Marawi City, and claimed he was in Manila even before the fighting began.
“Di ko po alam sino ang nagplano at kailan nila plinano,” Salic said.
[I didn’t know who planned it and when it was planned.]
The former mayor said he is furious over what happened to his native land.
“Sinong taga Marawi ang hindi galit? Wala po kaming babalikan doon, sirang-sira,” Salic added.
[Translation: What Marawi resident isn’t enraged? We have nothing to go back for, everything is in ruins.]
Salic is detained at the jail facility of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group inside the 4th Infantry Division, in Cagayan de Oro City.
The first arrest order issued on May 29 listed 125 people.
