Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 29) — The Justice Department is investigating 59 people allegedly sent as reinforcement to the ISIS-linked Maute group fighting government troops in Marawi.
The suspects, who faced inquest proceedings in Manila on Friday, said they were made to believe they will be part of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), to be later integrated into the Philippine Army.
“Sabi sa amin na magkaroon… Mag-apply ng sundalo. Ano raw ni Duterte… Tapos yun pala umamin siya dun na dadalhin niya kami sa Marawi (We were told we were applying as soldiers for Duterte. But it turns out we will be brought to Marawi),” said Radsmir Gaspar, one of the detained individuals facing rebellion charges.
They were given until August 15 to formally submit their counter-affidavits.
They were flown to Manila from Zamboanga City Friday morning after they were held for questioning last July 25, the military’s Western Midanao Command (Wesmincom), which has jurisdiction over Zamboanga, said.
More than half of them were arrested in a military checkpoint in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay, while the rest were nabbed from a house in Guiwan in Zamboanga City.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said there is no ongoing “integration” arrangement between the government and the MNLF or any group or faction.
MNLF leader Yusoph Jikiri also denied links to the arrested individuals and warned the public against scammers using the name of the MNLF.
“With Martial Law in force in entire Mindanao, we can validly restrict and effect arrests of suspicious persons and unscrupulous groups whose actions bear with the rebellion,” said Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Wesmincom commander.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire island region of Mindanao under martial law on May 23 following clashes between government forces and the Mauate terrorist group in Marawi, provincial capital of Lanao del Sur. Martial law stays in Mindanao until December 31, 2017 after both houses of Congress granted Duterte’s request for five more months to quell the rebellion.
This is a developing story. Please refresh page for updates.
CNN Philippines’ Anjo Alimario contributed to this report.
