DOJ starts inquest of Maute brods’ ma, 11 for rebellion

“Farhana” Romato-Maute, the mother of Omarkhayyam and Abdullah, the founders of the notorious Maute Group. Photo taken after her arrest on June 9, 2017. Photo by ARMM-PNP

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Justice has started its inquest proceedings on arrested individuals suspected of being involved in the Maute Group who are fighting the government forces in Marawi City.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said on Monday, the suspects were expected to face the four-person panel of prosecutors at the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag, this city, Monday afternoon.

Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the security around the camp has been tightened with more layers of soldiers manning the gates and key areas around the division headquarters.

Among those subjected to the inquest proceedings is Ominta “Farhana” Romato-Maute, the mother of Omarkhayyam and Abdullah, the founders of the notorious Maute Group, and 11 other individuals. The DOJ has yet to divulge the names of the other suspects.

Aguirre said the suspects would be charged with rebellion.

The elder Maute was arrested by law enforcers in Masiu, Lanao del Sur, together with several persons, last Friday.

Reports said her group attempted to escape as government troops continued to pounce on the location of the Maute in downtown Marawi.

Also facing the charges is former Marawi mayor Fajad Salic, who was apprehended at a checkpoint in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, last June 7.  SFM