HIGH-value target Ominta Romato Maute, also known as Farhana Maute was sentenced to more than 17-year imprisonment to reclusion perpetua and being fined 500,000.
This is after the court found Maute guilty for violating Section 4 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10168 or “The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.”
According to the DOJ, Ominta is the matriarch of the highly influential Maute family in Marawi City linked by authorities to terrorist activities in several occasions.
The court says that based on records, 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.
Authorities intercepted the same vehicle on the same date, but the five-terrorist-passengers already fled.
Several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were recovered inside the vehicle
The court states, it’s clear that without the checkpoint conducted in Barangay Mapandi near the center of Marawi City, and the timely interception of a Toyota Innova containing an IED, a terrorist act would have certainly occurred.
“Clearly, were it not for the checkpoint conducted at Barangay Mapandi near the center of Marawi City, and for the timely interception of the Toyota Innova containing an IED, an act of terrorism would have surely been consummated,” according to Judge Marivic C. Vitor, Taguig City RTC Branch 266.
Before this, Ominta and the five mentioned terrorists were involved in inhumane activities such as kidnapping and beheading civilians in Lanao Del Sur from April 4 to 10, 2016.
Ominta was convicted of terrorism financing due to clear evidence of willingly and unlawfully providing the registered Toyota Innova under her name to known terrorists and members of a terrorist group.
“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,” Vitor added.
“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,” Vitor said.
The DOJ, on the other hand, considers the court’s conviction of the accused a significant 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,” Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla, DOJ stated.
The secretary added that they are committed to scoring more convictions, particularly on cases involving terrorism and terrorism financing.
“We are committed to scoring more convictions, particularly on cases involving terrorism and terrorism financing,” Remulla added.
