Philippines seek suspects linked to insurgents

By Roy Ramos

Zamboanga City, PHILIPPINES (AA) – The Philippines’ defense secretary and martial law administrator on Friday issued arrest orders for at least 186 alleged members, spies and couriers for a range of insurgent groups.

The targeted groups include Abu Sayyaf, the Maute group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Maguid group. The individuals are accused of inciting rebellion for their involvement in the Daesh-linked Maute group’s recent attack in Marawi City.

The issuance was made despite the declaration of martial law on the entire Island of Mindanao, following the clashes between government forces and terrorists which erupted on May 23.

GMA News quoted Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla as saying the names on the list were gleaned from previous information that proved the individuals were involved in the events in Marawi City.

Padilla added that the list was being released “to get the assistance of the public so they can assist the government forces”.

He also said the military is hopeful that conflict in Marawi would end by Monday as the country commemorates its 119th Independence Day.

The presidential office issued a statement Friday saying the traditional celebrations to commemorate the event had been cancelled by President Rodrigo Duterte as he wanted to focus on the crisis in Marawi.

"The vin d'honneur scheduled on Monday, June 12, has been cancelled. After the flag-raising activity, the president will attend to matters pertaining Mindanao," ABS-CBN News quoted Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella as saying.