‘Big win vs terrorism’:
DOJ sends Maute matriarch behind bars

17 May 2024

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla hailed the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Counter-Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Task Force I led by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor (SDSP) Peter L. Ong for successfully securing the conviction of a ‘high-value target’ terrorism financier Ominta Romato Maute, also known as ‘Farhana Maute,’ the matriarch of the highly influential Maute family in Marawi City linked by authorities to terrorist activities in several occasions.

In a 39-page Judgment promulgated yesterday, 15 May 2024, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 266, Taguig City found Ominta aka Farhana guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violation of Section 4 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10168 or “The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.”

Records show that on July 29, 2016, Ominta allowed her Toyota Innova with Conduction Sticker No. YM6499, Engine Number 2KDS487239 and Chassis No. KUN405120908 to be used by five (5) terrorists, namely, Mohammad Khayam Romato Maute, Omar Khayam Romato Maute, Abdullah Romato Maute, Mahater Romato Maute and Najib C. Pundug.

On same date, state forces intercepted the same vehicle, the five-terrorist-passengers thereof, fled. Several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were recovered inside the vehicle.

Prior thereto, Ominta aka Farhana and the afore-named five terrorists committed a series of savage and inhumane acts such as kidnapping and beheading of civilians in Lanao Del Sur from April 4 to 10, 2016.

The Court charged Ominta for Terrorism Financing for knowingly, willfully and unlawfully making available the Toyota Innova registred under her name to known terrorists and members of a terrorist group.

The Court said, “It can be deduced that the elements to be proved by the prosecution, for accused Ominta to be convicted of the offense of financing of terrorism are: first, the willful intention of Ominda to provide or make available a property; and second, that the property, in full or in part made available are to be used to (a) carry out or facilitate the commission of any terrorist act; and b) by a terrorist organization, association or group; or (c) by an individual terrorist.”

“After a judicious review of the records and evidence of this case, the Court finds that the prosecution was able to prove the elements of the crime of terrorism financing,” Judge Marivic C. Vitor said in her Judgment.

“We will never let terrorism prevail nor let it sow fear among our people,” Secretary Remulla said, adding that the conviction is a “big win” in the country’s fight against terrorism.

“This conviction exhibits our nation’s unity and resilience to fight the evils lurking in our society, I am very proud of our DOJ family, particularly the Counter-Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Task Force I for overcoming the odds and risking their lives to safeguard peace and order,” the Secretary added.

Secretary Remulla commended the prosecution panel composed of SDSP Peter L. Ong, Assistant State Prosecutor (ASP) Jenny A. De Castro, ASP Mary Grace S. Arboladura, Prosecution Attorney (PA) Ruth Anne P. Zamora and PA Lyra Carissa M. Profugo for working up a sweat to make sure justice is served.

“We are committed to scoring more convictions, particularly on cases involving terrorism and terrorism financing,” closed Remulla.

The Court sentenced Ominta Romato Maute aka Farhana Maute to suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal of seventeen (17) years, four (4) months and one (1) day to reclusion perpetua, and to pay a fine of P500,000.00. Meanwhile, the vehicle seized will be forfeited in favor of the government.

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