COMPOSTELA VALLEY -- A man suspected to be a member of international terrorist group Jemaah Islamiya (JI) was arrested by authorities in Monkayo town on Monday evening.
Captain Emmanuel Garcia, spokesman of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, identified the arrested suspect as Edgar Malaydan.
He was arrested by elements of the Army's Special Forces and the Philippine National Police in Kilometer 4, Barangay Casoon, Monkayo around 7 p.m. of August 2.
Initial reports showed that Malaydan is a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) 105th Base Command then headed by Umbra Kato.
"Ngayon nung nag-offensive ang AFP sa 105th base command, tapos na-relieve si Umbra Kato sa 105th base command, ito tumakas, lumipat dito sa Compostela, pero at the same time, JI cell member siya. Alam mo naman yung mga member ni Umbra Kato may link sa JI eh," Garcia said.
Garcia said Malaydan's arrest was due to a tip from a civilian. Upon verification, authorities discovered that Malaydan is a member of the JI. He said the tipster is a former member of the MILF.
Compostela Valley Police Provincial Director Aaron Aquino, however, said Malaydan is a confirmed member of the MILF's Special Operations Group Lost Command.
He said Malaydan is facing a murder charge and will soon be committed to the court.