"They are generally tabligh pilgrims. Hence, they visit various countries, including the Philippines, to carry out only religious activities," Tito explained.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian confirmed that 16 Indonesian citizens who had been repatriated from the Philippines to Indonesia were not involved in acts of terror in the country.
Dozens of Indonesian citizens have been investigated by the National Polices Special Detachment 88 counterterrorism squad, he revealed here on Monday.
"They are generally tabligh pilgrims. Hence, they visit various countries, including the Philippines, to carry out only religious activities," he explained.
The police have recorded at least 38 other Indonesian citizens in the Philippines who are involved in terror networks. The 38 Indonesians are suspected of joining the ISIS-affiliated Maute militant group.
Meanwhile, National Polices Public Relations Division Chief Inspector General Pol Setyo Wasisto said, the 38 Indonesians involved in terror networks in Marawi City, Mindanao, the Philippines, were largely men.
"As many as 38 Indonesian citizens are involved in terror acts comprising 37 men and a woman," he stated.
Of the total, four people are believed to have been killed, 12 deported to Indonesia, and 22 are still in the Philippines.
Currently, the ISIS terrorist network is building a stronghold in Marawi City to take control of the Southeast Asian region.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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