MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday filed 295 counts of inciting to rebellion charges before the Taguig City Regional Trial Court against alleged Islamic State recruiter Karen Hamidon.
“In sum, respondent (referring to Hamidon) should be charged for two hundred ninety-five (295) counts of inciting to rebellion or violation of Article 138 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 R.A. 10175,” stated the DOJ resolution released Wednesday.
She was arrested last October at her Taguig City residence and was accused of allegedly using online messaging apps, such as Telegram and WhatsApp, to recruit foreign fighters in the country for the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City
Hamidon is also known as the former wife of Singaporean terrorist Muhammad Shamin Mohammed Sidek and the widow of slain Ansar Khalifa Philippines (AKP) leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid alias Tokboy.
A portion of her posts on Telegram, as cited in the DOJ resolution, stated: “the Islamic State invites you to join in the Philippines. We note that the door to immigration is open to the cities of Marawi and Mindanao. Come and join the heroes and supporters of the state of East Asia. Come to support the application of Islamic law through jihad for the sake of Allah. Come and support the Islamic State.”
DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre has said Hamidon successfully recruited several Indian nationals to join Islamic extremist groups in Mindanao in 2016.
Hamidon, however, has denied any of her alleged links to the Maute group or the Marawi crisis during a preliminary investigation on the rebellion charges against her. – Reports from JV Arcena and Camille Aguinaldo
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