3rd US embassy bombing suspect arrested

MANILA, Philippines – The third suspect in the bombing attempt near the US embassy last week was arrested in Bulacan on Saturday.

Agents of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) collared Mohammad Jumao-as in Bulacan town, a police source told The STAR yesterday.

Jumao-as is now undergoing interrogation by the Manila Police District, the source added.

Newly promoted NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde refused to either confirm or deny the arrest of Jumao-as.

However, the source claimed that Jumao-as would be presented before the media today by Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

“Jumao-as is not yet a suspect in the foiled bombing attempt near the US embassy. All I can say it that we are considering him as a person of interest,” the source said.

Jumao-as joins Rashid Kilala, alias Rayson Sacdal Kilala, and Jiaher Guinar in police custody for the failed bombing attempt at the US embassy.

Dela Rosa said the suspects belong to the Maute group, a terror cell based in Lanao del Sur, which was recently dislodged by the military in Butig town.