(Eagle News) — Authorities announced on Thursday the arrest of former Marawi Mayor Fahad Umpar Salic who is suspected of financing the activities of the terrorist group Maute.
Gilbert Gapay, martial law spokesperson for Eastern Mindanao, said Salic–who figures in the first arrest order issued by defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, martial law administrator—was apprehended at a joint Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police checkpoint on Wednesday night.
His three other companions were also arrested, Gapay said.
According to Gapay, authorities were still investigating what the former mayor’s role was in the ongoing crisis in Marawi.
Members of the terrorist group overran parts of the city after the military launched offensives against Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader, who was believed to be there.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao to quell the violence.
According to Gapay, even before the start of the Marawi “crisis,” there were already reports Salic was a “staunch supporter.”
“(There are reports) he provided logistics and finances to the group during its formative years,” Gapay said.
