A dynasty of terror: how family wealth fueled a modern insurgency

Wars & Conflicts · Published 17 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Maute Group wasn't just a band of insurgents; it was a family enterprise. While often portrayed as fringe militants, the group’s rise in the Philippines was underpinned by significant political connections and private financing, transforming local grievances into a sophisticated regional threat.

Founded in 2012 by brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute, the group—originally known as Dawlah Islamiyah—emerged from a complex web of local ties. While some accounts describe the brothers as petty criminals, others highlight their status as wealthy individuals with deep political roots in Lanao del Sur. Central to this was their matriarch, Ominta Romato Maute (also known as Farhana Maute), who owned property across Mindanao and Manila and operated a construction business. She is widely considered the group's primary financier, providing the essential logistics and recruitment infrastructure that allowed the organization to scale.

The group’s influence was bolstered by kinship with established militant organizations. The Maute brothers were former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and their headquarters in Butig served as a stronghold for both groups. This proximity created a network of shared blood and marriage ties, including connections to the MILF's military leadership. By leveraging these existing structures, the Maute family was able to transition from local actors into a significant threat that eventually pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) in April 2015.

The group’s tactics evolved from small-scale skirmishes in 2013 to the massive 2017 siege of Marawi City. They utilized sophisticated social media strategies to recruit students and teachers, while also employing 'child warriors' and using political grievances as propaganda. Despite being declared 'practically wiped out' after the deaths of several Maute brothers in late 2017, remnants have continued to reorganize under various names, such as Dawlah Islamiyah, demonstrating a resilient cycle of insurgency fueled by both ideological fervor and entrenched family resources.

The evolution of the group highlights a shift toward 'family terrorism,' where private wealth and local political influence provide a shield for radicalization. Even after the 2017 siege, survivors have continued to operate in Mindanao, occasionally coordinating with other groups like Abu Sayyaf or engaging in retaliatory bombings, proving that dismantling such organizations requires addressing the underlying financial and familial networks as much as the armed militants.

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