GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Security forces arrested last Wednesday two suspected local Islamic State members during a raid on their hideout in Johnny Ang Subdivision, Barangay Lagao, this city.
Police Col. Marvin Marcos, regional chief of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, identified the suspects as Joyce Ann Fornal, alias “Fatima,” and Bai Nor Azis Buday who are said to be the logistics and finance officers of the Dawlah Islamiyah, an umbrella organization of IS-inspired local terror groups operating in Mindanao.
He said the CIDG and military intelligence operatives seized two rifle grenades, one .45 caliber pistol, and several improvised explosive devise components from the suspects.
Intelligence information indicated the arrested suspects belong to a local terror cell which is responsible for raising funds and logistical support for local IS-inspired terror groups operating in Mindanao.
It said the suspects had organized local charitable institutions and foundations which served as conduits of funds coming from IS the central command in the Middle East.
Intelligence sources said the charitable organizations established by the suspects include an orphanage for Muslim children whose parents were killed during atrocities launched against Muslim insurgents in Mindanao. (Joseph Jubelag)
