DOJ eyes transfer of suspected Islamic State financier

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is exploring the possibility of transferring Myrna Mabanza, the recently arrested suspected financier of the Islamic State (IS).

In a press conference with members of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) on Friday, the DOJ said that it is currently evaluating whether Mabanza’s trial should be held in Zamboanga or Manila as they consider her a “high-profile person.”

“The facility may not be enough to contain her considering that she has numerous relatives in the Zamba-Sulu area. Transferring her to Manila to the facilities in Taguig would ensure that she will be properly guarded under the city security protocols,” state prosecutor Rex Gingoyon said in a press conference.

Gingoyon further suggested transferring the case to regional trial courts in either Taguig or Quezon City, known for their specialized "anti-terrorism courts."

However, the state fiscal also said that the agency is still evaluating about the “best option of transfer,” taking into consideration the costs in carrying the prosecutors and witnesses to other places. 

“At the moment we are still evaluating what is the best option for the government. If it would be in Zamboanga or Manila. Because we have to consider the transportation cost of the panel of prosecutors and witnesses going to Zamboanga or the cost of travelling Myrna from Zamboanga to Manila,” Gingoyon said.  

On the other hand, the Justice department said that it is also confident that they will secure a conviction against Mabanza.

“Since she was arrested, we can proceed with trial and there's a possibility if we are able to present our evidence properly against her, we would be able to convict her,” Gingoyon said. 

Mabanza, who was arrested in Sulu on Thursday, was charged with five counts of violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10168 or The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 and RA No.11479 or the The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Aside from Mabanza, the other accused are Marsan Ahaddin Ajijul, who si currently detained in Malaysia and Norkisa Omar Asnanul, both of whom have been apprehended, according to the DOJ.

She is designated as a terrorist by the United Nations