The National Capital Region Police Office yesterday announced the arrest of an alleged terrorist in Quiapo, Manila.
In a statement sent to reporters, NCRPO chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said the suspect, identified as Jeran Aba, alias “Paito Pangadaman Liwal’g” and “Abu Sinan,” an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiyah, an Islami State-inspired terror group based in Mindanao, was apprehended last Christmas Day.
DI is believed to be behind some of the recent bombing incidents in the country.
Eleazar said Aba was arrested by patrolling members of the Manila Police District on Quezon Boulevard corner Norzagaray St.
Police said barangay officials spotted Aba with a pistol tucked in his waist while he was getting off a tricycle. Alarmed, the officials reported the sighting to cops who were passing by the area.
The patrolling cops confronted Aba and invited him to a police precinct for questioning. However, the suspect allegedly resisted arrest.
Police were forced to confiscate Aba’s gun. As they frisked him, they also discovered a grenade in his possession, Eleazar said.
Aba was immediately brought to the police station where cops learned about his identity.
During interrogation, Eleazar said Aba admitted being a former member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2016. He also informed them of his participation in the Maute Terror Group-led seige in Marawi City in 2017.
“He was planning to conduct an improvised explosive device attack in the NCR during the holiday season and incoming festivals,” Eleazar said.
A police source said the NCRPO delayed the announcement of the terror suspect’s arrest to avoid “unnecesary panic” among the public, especially since it happened on Christmas Day and there was the anticipated “Traslacion” or procession of the Black Nazarene image.
Aba was charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act RA 9516 or illegal possession of explosives and resisting arrest.
Prior to Aba’s arrest, the NCRPO also arrested another terror suspect identified as Sudais Asmad, alias “Sen,” “Abu Nas,” “Suhud,” and “Jul” on Dec. 20 in Binondo, Manila.
Asmad was said to be a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group who serves as its liaison officer and escort and guide of “Balik Islam” (Muslim reverts) from Luzon to Basilan. (Martin A. Sadongdong)
