THE 58 alleged recruits of the Maute terror group arrested in different areas in Zamboanga on July 25 have denied the rebellion charges filed against them by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Accompanied by the police in full battle gear, the suspects appeared at Department of Justice (DOJ) Monday, August 14, and submitted their respective joint counter-affidavits.
The panel of prosecutors received two joint counter affidavits, one from the 32 arrested from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and another from the group arrested at a house in Guian, Zamboanga City.
Asti Tamano, the group's driver, filed a separate counter-affidavit.
The alleged recruiter, Nur Supian, however, failed to submit his answer to the complaints filed against him by the military.
The panel of prosecutors led by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong has directed Supian to submit his counter-affidavit on Friday, August 18, at 10 a.m. before Quezon City Assistant City Prosecutor Ramonsito Ocampo.
After he has filed his pleading the complaints will be submitted for resolution.
The 59 earlier claimed they were members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) but upon verification with the group, it denied their claims.
According to the recruits, Supian recruited them to join a military training at Camp Jabalnur, an MNLF camp in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, to become soldiers.
Confiscated from the alleged MNLF members were new military and police uniforms, making authorities suspect that they will sneak into Marawi City in the guise of security officers.
In an interview after the hearing, Supian said he was also a victim.
"Hindi po ako Maute," said Supian.
Supian reiterated his earlier claim that all 58 men were recruited to be part of the government security forces.
He said that the supposed military training was part of an earlier arrangement between MNLF founder Nur Misuari and President Rodrigo Duterte.
"[Nirecruit sila para] maging sundalo talaga. Nagkaron ng usapan si Nur Misuari at si presidente na magkaron sila ng integration so lahat kami ay pumunta sa camp Jabalnur para preparation sa para sa sundalo talaga," he said.
Asked if the MNLF founder will back them up, Supian answered in the affirmative.
Their camp is already speaking with Misuari, he said.
After the legal proceedings, the groups, including Supian were brought to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City where they are being detained. (SunStar Philippines)