Mother of Maute brothers undergoes inquest in Cagayan de Oro

Farhana Romato Maute, mother of brother Omar and Abdullah, leaders of the Maute Group. (Photo from the Cebu City Police Office via Radyo Inquirer)

The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Prosecutor Office in Cagayan De Oro City has conducted inquest proceedings of Ominta “Farhana” Maute, mother of Abdullah and Omar, two of the leaders of the Maute terror group.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II personally went to Cagayan De Oro City to oversee the inquest for rebellion.

Farhana was arrested last Friday in Masiu, Lanao del Sur. She is believed to be the financier of the Maute group.

A complaint has also been filed with the DOJ against former Marawi City Mayor Fahad Salic who was arrested in Misamis Oriental.

Salic is included in Arrest Order Number 2 issued by Defense Secretary and martial law Administrator Delfin Lorenzana. He was arrested due to his alleged ties with the Maute group.

Aside from the two, nine other members and supporters of the Maute group underwent inquest proceedings.

Aguirre said after the inquest, the respondents will be transported to Manila where they will be detained.

The Justice Chief will ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision that the Maute group should be tried in a court in Cagayan De Oro City.

Aguirre said the special court should be created in Metro Manila, citing security concerns and lack of adequate detention facilities if the trial would be held in Mindanao.