MANILA, Philippines — Authorities arrested three suspected Abu Sayyaf members for allegedly planning to terrorize the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summits and Related Meetings.
The members were identified as Abdulgaffar Jikiri (19), Alim Sabtalin (19) and Sadam Jhofar (24)—all from Basilan.
PNP officials said the arrested men are confirmed to be members of the ASG’s Urban Terrorist Group, associated with the ISIS-inspired Maute group.
They were arrested in a multi-agency operation at Salam Compound in Barangay Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City on November 10—ahead of the arrivals of world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, in the country for ASEAN-related activities.
Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said that Jikiri was planning a terror attack in Manila with the possible involvement of Sabtalin and Jhofar.
The PNP chief said they did not immediately inform the public about the arrest of the suspects to avoid causing “unnecessary anxiety.”
Numerous guns, live ammunitions and mobile phones were seized from the alleged ASG members.
Prior to the arrest, Jikiri posted on his Facebook account about his plan to launch terror attacks in the capital.
He posted photos of high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices with the caption that they would be used to kill non-believers, as well as photos of targets including a mall and a park in Manila.