Lady terror propagandist collared
The widow of a local radical group’s leader has been arrested for spreading terror propaganda and inviting foreign and Filipino fighters to fight for terror groups Maute Group and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) at the height of the Marawi City siege, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II announced on Wednesday.
Karen Aizha Hamidon, the Filipino widow of Ansar Khalifa Philippines (AKP) leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid alias “Tokboy,” was arrested last October 11 at her home in Taguig City by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation Counter Terrorism Division (NBICTD) on the strength of a search warrant. Maguid was killed during a shootout with police in Sarangani last January.
The NBI seized from her mobile phones, tablets, laptops, other electronic devices she allegedly used in posting in social media applications Telegram and WhatsApp her invitations for fighters to go to Marawi City.
The posts read: “The soldiers of Taghut are desperate to defeat the Muhajireen of the Islamic State of Marawi City… but Wallahi they won’t be successful. They won’t be able to defeat the force of Dawlah because Allah (Azza wa Jaal is on their side). That is why the Dawlah is once again inviting all our ikhwaalnil Muslimeen in all parts of the Philippines and around the world to support our Muhajireen of East Asia. Let us go to Marawi, in Mindanao to join the war
against the Conquerors of the soldiers of Tawagheet.”
Because of these posts, 14 counts of violation of Article 318 (Inciting a Rebellion or Insurrection) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), as amended, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 were filed against Hamidon before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Apart from these complaints, a separate complaint for rebellion will be filed against her for 296 posts that were found on her mobile phone.
“Although she was not fighting with the ISIS or Maute Group in Marawi, the action of the subject clearly denote that she was in conspiracy with the rebels,” said Aguirre, who noted that Hamidon could face 296 counts of rebellion because of her posts.
“So in my opinion she should be charged not only of inciting to rebellion but to the crime of rebellion itself,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Aguirre called on the public to come forward if they have any information about Hamidon that could aid the investigation of her participation in the Marawi rebellion.
The NBI took notice of Hamidon’s posts last October 11 which spread to various public groups in Telegram.
When she got arrested, the NBI found she made at least 296 posts.
The AKP, in cooperation with the Maute Group, has been identified as the group behind the Davao City night market bombing in September, 2016, as well as the foiled bombing attempt of the United State embassy in Manila in t December, 2016.
The NBI said that Hamidon is the exwife of Singaporean Muhammad Shamin Mohammed Sidek who is detained in Singapore for his links with ISIS.
She is also a known associate of Musa Cerantonio, an Australian Islamist preacher who inspired numerous foreigners to join ISIS.
US lauds AFP Meanwhile, the United States government lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its counterterrorism efforts in Mindanao following the killing of terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute in Marawi City, the other day.
“We are aware of reports that terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute have been killed in Marawi City. The US is proud to support the AFP’s counter-terrorism efforts in Mindanao through intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and other technical assistance,” the US embassy said in a statement.
Citing its 70-year alliance with the Philippines, the United States also said they will continue working with “our Filipino friends, partners and allies to eradicate violent extremis and terrorism.”
It further said that the US government looks forward to cooperating in assuring the stabilization and rehabilitation of Marawi City.
The US, being the Philippines closest defense ally, has provided assistance in the fight against terrorism in the form of intelligence and information sharing and technical advice.
End of terrorism? Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, on the other hand, expressed confidence that the death of Hapilon and Maute would mark the end of terrorism in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao.
“We have to be vigilant against any future threats to our peace and freedom. The country’s unity and the citizens’ united front are crucial for peace and order to prevail,” Villar said.
Villar issued the statement as she welcomed the news that President Duterte has declared the liberation of Marawi City from “terrorist influence” after five months of having been terrorized by the ISIS-linked Maute Group militants.
“This truly marks the start of the rebuilding of the city and the lives of its residents. I hope the displaced families can return to their homes at the soonest possible time,” she said.
“Likewise, I salute the courage and bravery of the Filipino soldiers in seizing control of the stronghold of the terrorists in the city and finally killing the terror group’s leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. The valiant efforts of our troops and the sacrifice of their fallen comrades have not gone in vain,” she stressed.
“Together, we also have to do our part in rebuilding what was left of Marawi City and helping our fellow Filipinos who were affected by the conflict, so they can go back to their normal lives,” she added. (With reports from Roy C. Mabasa and Mario B. Casayuran)