AUTHORITIES have arrested two alleged suppliers of improvised explosive device (IED) components in Jolo, Sulu, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday, May 3, 2021.
Akkang Suraili Omaron of Barangay Tulay in Jolo and Mardan Dammang Jamasali from Barangay Latih, Patikul were arrested in a drug bust on Sunday, May 2.
They will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act and RA 9516, or illegal/ unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing In, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives.
Seized during the operation were ammunition of caliber .45 pistol and IED components such as blasting caps, time fuse cord, about a kilogram of suspected ammonium nitrate, 81mm mortar shell, nails, marbles, aluminum pipes and wire switches.
Major General William N. Gonzales, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division commander, said the suspects had supplied the IED components that were used in the twin explosions that rocked Jolo on August 24, 2020.
The attack killed 15 people, mostly military personnel.
"The capture of the suppliers is a significant development as the components they trade are really devastating if assembled as a bomb. These people who make bombings possible are as twisted as the bombers themselves,” Gonzales said.
The drug bust was conducted by the 15th Civil Military Operations Battalion and the 7th Special Action Battalion of the Special Action Force. (SunStar Philippines)