ICC Note: Russell Langi Salic, an orthopedic surgeon is believed to be providing funds and materials to the Maute terrorists operating in Marawi city, Philippines. Salic, 37, has been under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation since he surrendered to authorities in April. Philippine’s anti-terrorism laws are not particularly strict which is why terrorists from all over the world have been coming to Philippines for training and recruitment, making it a breeding ground for terrorism. Salic has also been charged by the United States Department of Justice for financing a plot to bomb New York City last year.
10/10/2017 Philippines (Manila Times) – ISLAMIC State (IS) financier Russell Langi Salic supported the Maute group that attacked Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.
This was confirmed by Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., spokesman for the AFP, as he clarified that Salic was not related to former Marawi mayor Omar Solitario Salic, also a Maute supporter.
“He (Russell Salic) is believed to be providing funds and materials to the Maute terrorists and he has a nickname ‘Doctor’…He does not have any relationship with the former Marawi mayor. Our investigation is still ongoing,” Padilla told dzMM radio, in Filipino.
Salic, 37, has been under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation since he surrendered to authorities in April, the military said.
Padilla admitted that the Philippines had become a “breeding ground” for terrorists, noting that the country’s anti-terrorism laws were less strict compared with those of other countries.
“It is true that the Philippines is becoming a breeding ground [for terrorists] because our law against terrorism is less strict. In Singapore and Malaysia, their legislations against terrorism are strong,” he said.
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