Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 19) — Some Muslim religious leaders said Saturday they have been receiving death threats from the ISIS-inspired Maute group.
The threats came after they signed a manifesto supporting a fatwa or a legal opinion condemning the militants.
The “ulamas” (Islamic scholars) claim a letter was sent to them in their hotel in Iligan on Thursday, a day after their regional conference.
The letter, bearing an ISIS logo, supposedly came from the Maute group using its Arabic name Al-Dawlatul Islamiah.
“Kung khawarij (rebels of religion) nga kami tulad ng tawag niyo sa amin, kayo naman ay mga munafiq (impokrito) at nararapat kayong patayin,” the letter read, as translated by Lanao Del Sur Crisis Management Committee Spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong from Maranao to Tagalog.
[Translation: If the ulamas call them rebels of religion, they should in turn be called hypocrites and should be executed.]
“Even religious leaders ay tina-target nila [They are targeting even religious leaders],” Adiong said. “This is actually their weapon. They want to instill fear in everybody’s hearts.”
Authorities have yet to verify the authenticity of the letter.
The military admitted the fight with the Maute goes beyond the city borders.
“We know for a fact that yung mga Maute terrorist group are not only confined to main battle area,” said Joint Task Force Ranao Deputy Commander Col. Romeo Brawner. “We know that they have supporters outside.”
The military is also investigating the owners and personnel of the hotel where the letter was sent.
But for now, the military pledged to secure the “ulamas,” but remained firm in not allowing the leaders to carry their own firearms.
