Suspect in Zambo car bombing arrested

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Police operatives arrested a woman tagged in car bombing incident in January during a raid Thursday morning in a coastal village, a security official said.

 

City police director Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro identified the suspect as Babylin Jul-Muallam alias "Babyln Jul Ismael," a resident of Barangay San Roque.

 

Muallam was arrested by the city police intelligence led by Police Chief Inspector Edilberto Alvarez about 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Lower Calarian.

 

The arresting police unit backed by other special police units were armed with a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Peter Eisma of the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 for double murder, with multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder.

 

Muallam is facing charges in connection with the January 23 car bomb explosion that killed two civilians and injured 52 others near the bus terminal in Barangay Guiwan.

 

The vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) containing three 60mm mortar rounds with TNT as explosive filler was concealed at the back compartment of a red colored Mitsubishi Lancer car that exploded in front of a pub house.

 

Casimiro said Muallam along with three other suspects identified as Aldamer Sahibuddin, Nidz Asmad and Muammar Askali alias "Abu Ramy" were charged by the police last June 17.

 

Muallam, Sahibuddin and Asmad were initially arrested during a follow-up operation following the bomb explosion.

 

The local court initially convicted Muallam for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition last July 24 but was released on probation.