Muslim leaders condemn 'involvement' of Imam in Maute group operations

Muslim leaders on Sunday condemned the supposed involvement of an Imam who was reported to have assisted in the operations of the Maute group in Lanao del Sur.

According to United Imam of the Philippines National President Alem Amate, Muslim leaders must safeguard the correct preaching of the Islam belief in mosques and madaris (Islamic schools).

Muslim leaders from Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, and other nearby areas are currently in Iligan City for the first ever Imam Summit.

Amate's remarks come after an Imam was reported to have assisted the Maute group and brought them to Paigapo, Lanao del Sur after the military offensive against them in the town of Butig.

This was mirrored by former Basilan Gov. and congressman Gerry Salapuddin, who noted that leaders should make sure that the youth is taught the correct and proper teachings.

Aside from this, Amate also noted that attendees of the summit discussed the impact of the government's drive to shift towards federalism, as well as its campaign against illegal drugs. —report from Merlyn Manos/Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/ALG, GMA News