THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed inciting to rebellion charges against the widow of a slain Islamist leader for recruiting fighters to reinforce the Maute terrorists in Marawi City. She allegedly used online messaging apps and social media to recruit fighters to help the Maute group, who led a five-month siege in Marawi City in May. The criminal charges were filed before the Taguig City Regional Trial Court, which was assigned by the Supreme Court to try the Maute rebels. In her defense, Hamidon said the messages did not contain her name, and that she was an Islamic missionary who had used social media for religious purposes. Hamidon was arrested on October 11 at her residence in Taguig City and was placed in detention at the National Bureau of Investigation headquarters in Manila.

Source: Manila Times December 13, 2017 17:03 UTC