Omar Maute’s widow undergoes inquest, given 10 days to file affidavit

The Indonesian wife of slain terror leader Omar Maute on Tuesday underwent inquest proceedings before the prosecutor's office in Iligan City, Jiggy Manicad reported on GMA News TV's Quick Response Team.

Minhati Madrais was accompanied by a representative from the Indonesian consulate, who served as her interpreter.

Madrais claimed to be unaware that she is being charged for illegal possession of explosives and thought she was being arrested for carrying an expired passport.

Madrais was given 10 days to execute a counter-affidavit.

In a separate report by Bam Alegre on GMA News TV program "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho," Madrais that she did not go under the name "Maute."

She confirmed being married to Omar Maute, but did not have their marriage certificate with her.

Iligan PNP said Madrais also revealed she was sent to Iligan City by Omar's mother, Farjana.

"In this information na binigay niya sa atin, si Farjana daw ang nagpadala sa kaniya dito sa Iligan City," Police Senior Superintendent Leony Ga, city director of the Iligan City Police Office, said.

After her inquest at the prosecutor's office, Madrais was returned to the Iligan City Police Headquarters, where she is detained with her children.

Six children

According to the report, Maute and Madrais' first two children were born in Cairo, Egypt, followed by three born in Indonesia.

Madrais is currently nursing a nine-month-old baby, reportedly born in the Philippines.

Until a case is filed against Madrais, police said they have allowed her children to stay with her in detention.

Personnel from the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) of Iligan were set to supervise the children daily.

"Nakausap ko 'yung 12 years old. 'Yung 10 [years old], parang normal lang sa kanila. Walang nagbago sa sitwasyon," said social worker Funjefrias Sacan.

"Pero 'yung 12 years old, ano na iyan, naiintindihan na nila 'yung nangyari. Sometimes, ano siya, watchful or observant," she added.

Madrais was arrested in Iligan City last Sunday.  An arrest warrant had been released for a certain "Baby," which was later found to be Madrais.

The police discovered several materials for improvised explosive devices at Madrais' house, including four blasting caps, two detonating cords and one time fuse.

Omar Maute, along with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, was killed in a military assault last October 16.

The next day, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the end of the months-long armed conflict in Marawi City. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News