Maute ‘financier’ nabbed in QC

Photo by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

An alleged supporter and financier of the IS-linked Maute terrorist group was arrested by authorities in Quezon City, police said on Friday.

Rasdy Malawani, 42, allegedly collected money from shop owners in a Novaliches mall that he runs, and remitted the money to the wife of Madie Maute, a brother of the notorious leaders who led the Marawi City siege.

According to police, Malawani is suspected to be fronting for Ominta Romato Maute alias Farhana, the matriarch and financier of the terrorist group.

Farhana, who was arrested in Lanao del Sur last June, is currently detained in Bicutan Jail.

The Maute Group was behind the five-month siege in Marawi City, which killed over 900 terrorists, 165 government troops, and 45 civilians.

Photo by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar said that armed with a search warrant, law enforcers arrested Malawani early Thursday at his home in Quezon City as he yielded a .45 pistol, a rocket propelled grenade, and bank receipts.

The arrest was a joint effort of the QCPD and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Eleazar said that the suspect’s social media account is linked with Maute members.

He added that the arrest of the suspect will “cripple the business” at the Novaliches mall, believed to be the significant source of the Maute group’s funds.   /kga