Marawi City vice mayor arrested for rebellion

MANILA, Philippines — Marawi City Vice Mayor Arafat Salic was arrested Wednesday morning at the Marawi City Hall compound in Barangay Fort, according to a report forwarded by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Salic was arrested for rebellion by virtue of Martial Law Administrator Arrest Order dated on September 4, 2017.

He was brought to the 103rd Brigade’s office in Kampo Ranao for investigation and documentation and will be turned over to the PNP for proper disposition.

Authorities said Salic was captured in a joint operation of the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion and the PNP at around 10 a.m.

“Vice Mayor Salic is included in the Office of the Martial Law Administrator Arrest Order dated September 4, 2017 for rebellion case,” said Col. Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Salic went through custodial debriefing and medical check-up after his arrest, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, commander of 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division lauded the effort of the 103rd Brigade, 82nd Infantry Battalion and the Marawi City police for the successful implementation of the arrest order.

“The 1st Infantry Division supports the Commander-in-Chief’s declaration of martial law. We will perform our duties in accordance with the law, respecting the rights of every individual and their properties,” Ancan said.

“We take pride of the overwhelming support of the constituents and stakeholders in our area of responsibility as we perform our mandate to serve the people and secure the land,”he said. / gsg