Seven Indonesians Involved in Marawi Terrorist Network Not Preachers

Jakarta, 31 May 2017/5 Ramadan 1438 (MINA) – Seven Indonesian nationals suspected of involvement in terrorist network in Marawi City, Mindanao, Philippines, do not include 17 other Indonesians who preach in the area, said Police Head of Public Section (Kombes Pol) Martinus Sitompul.

“They are different person. These seven Indonesians involved in terrorism are different from the other 17 Indonesians who are preaching in the area,” Martinus said at the National Police Headquarters on Wednesday. Antaranews reported.

According to him, based on the data of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Davao and Police Attache in the Philippines, it is known that there are 17 Indonesians who entered Philippine legally with the aim of preaching and not associated with ISIS terrorist groups.

“They enter Philippine legally, they have permission to preach and not belong to the group that is now fighting,” he said.

The condition of the 17 Indonesians, according to him, is in good condition after the shootout between the Philippine military and armed groups in Marawi.

Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still trying to repatriate them soon.

Meanwhile, he said, seven Indonesian citizens suspected of involving ISIS terrorist network were observed to enter the Philippines within November 2016 until April 2017. (P2/RS5)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)