MANILA, Philippines — Three members of the Maute terrorist group tagged in the Marawi siege last year were convicted by a special court in Taguig yesterday.
Acting Presiding Judge Felix Reyes of the Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 70 found Nur Supian, Araji Samindih and Umad Harun guilty of the crimes of terrorism and rebellion after trial.
In two separate decisions, Reyes convicted Supian, a trainer of Maute recruits in Sulu, of terrorism and sentenced him to 40 years in prison.
Samindih and Harun were found guilty of rebellion and sentenced to eight to 14 years in prison.
In the first case, the court said the prosecution was able to prove that Supian was responsible for putting up Camp Javal Nur or Tiger Base in Barangay Pang, Kalingalang Caluang, Sulu where local armed men underwent military training.
“After proving the established plan of Supian, there is no doubt that his acts sowed and created a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace, in order to coerce the government to give in to unlawful demand. Supian is guilty of the crime of terrorism under Republic Act 9732,” read the 27-page decision.
In the second case, the court held that both Samindih and Harun were members of the Maute that took part in clearing operations during the Marawi siege, citing eyewitnesses who identified the accused.
“Both accused merely participated or executed the demands of others in committing the crime of rebellion in this instant case, hence, they should suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua, pursuant to Section 4 of RA 6869 amending Article 135 of the Revised Penal Code,” the decision read.
Two other Maute members – Monalosa Romato and Tahera Taher – were acquitted of rebellion charges for lack of evidence.
The promulgation of the Maute cases was held during the annual Judgment Day of the Supreme Court to mark the 43rd anniversary of the Office of the Court Administrator.