MANILA - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted a doctor linked to the Maute group and wanted in the United States for allegedly helping finance foiled attacks in New York City for the Islamic State in 2016.

Dr. Russel Langi Salic was charged with 4 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and 4 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with murder.

Fifty-three others were also indicted before the Malabang, Lanao del Sur Regional Trial Court Branch 11.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Gabriel Permitis, Alfredo Cano-os, Adonis Mendez, and Julito Janubas, who accused respondents of abducting them at a sawmill in Barangay Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur on April 4, 2016.

The accused also allegedly abducted a certain Jaymart Capangpangan and Salvador Janubas, whom they beheaded six days later.

The indictments were ordered in a 23-page resolution issued by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong, and approved by OIC-Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Amor Robles, and acting Prosecutor-General Jorge Catalan.

The resolution gave weight to the kidnap victims’ testimonies that they saw Salic cleaning and guarding firearms in the place where they were held captive.

They also alleged having overheard him give instructions to their captives to make sure they would not escape.

The victims identified the accused as members of the Maute group, which waged attacks in Marawi City on May 23 last year, leading President Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial law.