Marawi City deputy mayor arrested on rebellion charges 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Security forces have arrested Wednesday the vice mayor of Marawi City in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Sur after he was accused of rebellion, an army spokesman said.

Captain Clint Antipala, of the 1^st Infantry Division, said Arafat Salic was arrested by soldiers and policeman before noontime at Marawi City Hall. He said Salic is included in the government list of people facing rebellion charges.

“Salic is included in the Office of the Martial Law Administrator Arrest Order dated September 4, 2017 for rebellion case,” Antipala said, quoting a report by Colonel Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

He said Salic is now under “custodial” debriefing and underwent a routine medical check-up and will be handed over to the police. Over 300 people, mostly alleged members or supporters of pro-ISIS and terrorist groups are included in the arrest order.

Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, commander of 1st Infantry Division, lauded Salic’s capture.

“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. 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,” Ancan said.

In May 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the whole of Southern Philippines under a state of martial law following the deadly siege of Marawi by pro-ISIS militants.  Secretary Ernesto Abella, then Presidential spokesman, announced Duterte’s decision in a news conference from Moscow where the Filipino leader was on a four-day visit.

The martial law – now extended until end of the year – covers Mindanao Island and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as martial law administrator. With the declaration of martial rule, police and military can now do searches without a warrant, arrest suspected terrorists and suspend the writ of habeas corpus, among others. (Mindanao Examiner)

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