POLICE filed rebellion charges against an Indonesian terrorist who allegedly fought alongside the Maute group in Marawi City. Syahputra, a native of the Indonesian city of Medan in North Sumatra province, arrived in the Philippines in November 2016 on the invitation of Isnilon Hapilon, Abu Sayyaf leader and IS Southeast Asia emir. Hapilon and the Maute group staged a series of attacks in Marawi City last May 23, forcing President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law. The death of Hapilon, and Omar Maute of the IS-inspired terrorist group bearing his family name ended the five-month old war. The encounter in Piagapo, a predominantly Maranao, fourth class municipality in the province, was between government troops and the Maute group.

Source: Manila Times November 02, 2017 10:52 UTC