Yesterday, police arrested Minhati Madarais, alias “Baby,” the Indonesian wife of former terrorist Omar Maute of the Maute group involved in the Marawi siege that started in May. She was found with their four daughters and two sons in their home in Tubod, Iligan City, in Northern Mindanao.
The arrest was made by Iligan City Police Office and Joint Task Force Ranao.
According to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa, Madarais was a high-value target.
Four blasting caps, two detonating cords, and a time fuse — tools for making bombs — were found in Madarais’ house.
While talking to reporters yesterday, Madarais asked the Indonesian embassy for help: “I’m feel (sic) I’m not safe here. So please from my embassy, save me and my children,” she said. Although she is from Indonesia, Madarais’ passport is reportedly expired.
She and Maute met when they were classmates in Egypt, ABS-CBN News reported. They got married after graduation and lived in Indonesia before moving to the Philippines. Their children are currently with government social workers.
Maute was killed by Philippine troops on Oct. 16. The former leader of the Abu Sayyaf and head of the Islamic State (IS) in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, was killed on the same day.
Earlier today, the PNP said in a press conference that Malaysian Amin Baco is the new IS head in Southeast Asia. According to PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Fernando Mendez, Baco is the longest-staying foreign terrorist int he Philippines.
The police are still trying to confirm whether or not Baco fled Marawi City, as suggested by Indonesian terrorist Muhammad Siyaputra, who was captured in Marawi last Thursday.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared war operations in Marawi over on Oct. 23 and ended more than 150 days of war. But after the arrest Madarais’ arrest, police said that the threat of terrorism in Northern Mindanao is still high.
