THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday appealed to the public not to “overreact” on the transfer of Cayamora Maute, father of two brothers who led the May 23 attack in Marawi City.
AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. guaranteed that Metro Manila is risk-free, amid the move to transfer the 67-year-old Maute patriarch to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
“Let’s not overreact with these things. The decision to transfer high-value prisoners has basis. The security in Manila is more controlled rather than the other places where martial law has been declared,” Padilla said in a press conference.
“We have the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) itself located in the same area. We have the JTF-NCR (Joint Task Force-National Capital Region) assisting the NCRPO, and all other agencies that are continuously monitoring and ensuring that the National Capital Region is safe,” he added.
The military transferred the custody of Cayamora Maute and three other family members to Metro Manila, citing security reasons.
Brigadier General Gilbert Gapay, deputy commander of the Army’s Eastern Mindanao Command, said the Maute patriarch is considered “high-value” and “high-risk” and they need to put him to a safe place.
Cayamora Maute was arrested in Davao City last Tuesday along with his daughter Norjannah Balawag, son-in-law Benzarali Tinglao, and second wife Kongan Alfonso Balawag. Seized from their vehicle were P363,000 cash, several identification cards, pistol, grenade and personal belongings.
The Mautes are facing charges of rebellion and illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
Padilla said the transfer of family members of Maute brothers Omar and Abdullah to Metro Manila would help the security troops to focus on their mandate to quell rebellion in Mindanao.
“Their transfer, hopefully, will help the security forces in Mindanao to focus on their job to achieve peace and order, rather than to keep an eye on [the Mautes],” Padilla said. “So what I would want to convey to the public is trust your security forces to do their job and let us not overreact.”
Omar and Abdullah instigated the attack in Marawi City on May 23, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.
The fighting has left 138 extremists, 40 government forces, and 20 civilians dead. (VoxPop Philippines)
