DND chief orders arrest of Abu Sayyaf, Maute, BIFF members, spies

The Department of National Defense on Friday released an arrest order against members of 4 terrorist groups for inciting acts of rebellion.

The 7-page document signed by Defense Secretary and martial law administrator Delfin Lorenzana instructed government troops to conduct arrests and investigations against at least 186 members, spies, and couriers of the Abu Sayyaf, Maute group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and Maguid group.

"Pursuant to the proclamation of Martial Law... you are hereby directed to arrest, take into custody, and conduct/continue the investigation on the following personalities for violation of Article 134 (Rebellion) of the Revised Penal Code", the document read.

Under martial law, government forces are authorized to conduct arrests without the need to seek warrants from courts.

Lorenzana said terrorist group members committed rebellion by "publicly taking arms against the duly constituted authorities for the purpose of removing Mindanao from the territory of the Government of the Philippines" and attempting to place the island under the control Islamic State.

The personalities were also subject to arrest for "indiscriminately killing, kidnapping, perpetuating bombings in Marawi City and some parts of Mindanao, and sowing terror in the populace," the document read.

Government forces were instructed to file charges against the suspects before Department of Justice's Office of the Prosecutor within 3 calendar days after the date an arrest.

A written report stating the date, time, and details of the arrest should also be filed within 24 hours after an arrest.

"You are hereby directed to ensure that the rights of all persons arrested/detained/taken into custody by virtue hereof are protected by Philippine law, including human rights and rights of persons under custodial investigation," the document added.