AUTHORITIES have arrested a member of the terrorist Abu Sayaf Group who allegedly planned to stage attacks during the Christmas holidays in the capital, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Guillermo Eleazar said on Friday, January 11.
Jeran Aba y Sangcopan was arrested on December 20 by elements of the Regional Special Operations Unit (RSOU), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and Philippine National Police (PNP) - Intelligence Group in Qiuapo, Manila.
Cases of violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, illegal possession of explosives, and resisting arrest were filed against him.
Eleazar said the arrest stemmed from a report by barangay officials that a suspicious man with a pistol grip on his waist was sighted in the area.
"Upon seeing the pistol grip on the suspect's waist, the patrolling officers accosted the suspect, who could not produce the necessary permits for possessing a firearm," said Eleazar.
"The cops confiscated the firearm which was fully loaded and upon frisking the suspect also discovered a grenade in his possession. The cops arrested the suspect instantly," he added.
Eleazar said Aba admitted that he was a member of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2016 and joined Marawi Seige in 2017.
Aba was reportedly planning to detonate an improvised explosive device in the NCR during the holiday season and incoming festivals. (SunStar Philippines)