Suspected Jemaah Islamiya member arrested

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Authorities arrested Wednesday a suspected member of the Jemaah Islamiya international terrorist group in Barangay Casoon, Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

According to the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, the suspect, identified as Edgar Malaydan, 42, was arrested by the joint forces of the elite troops of the third Special Forces Battalion together with local police in the area. Malaydan is also reportedly an active member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s 111th Base Command operating in Eastern Davao region. 

Malaydan was arrested by virtue of warrants of arrest with Criminal Case No. 899-07 at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 32 in Lupon, Davao Oriental and Criminal Case No. 6710 at RTC Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. 

Reports bared Malaydan is the local conduit of the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) and JI with the group of the Venancio brothers, also known conduits of the ASG who later became JI cells. Malaydan is the brother of the late Halil and Silvar Malaydan, both members of the Venancio group and local cell of the JI. 

In the late 80s and early 90s, the Malaydan brothers were members of the Bangsa Moro Army operating in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, then joined the MILF before they became allies of the Venancio brothers. 

The Malaydan brothers were said to be responsible in several extortion activities, robbery hold-up in Davao Oriental and Comval and the burning of three buses of Bachelor Express Co. plying Davao City to Davao Oriental route. They are also the suspected perpetrators in the killing of a certain Baser Takasan, a staff of local GRP Panel and Rex Takasan, a local policeman. 

The arrest of Malaydan is expected to lead to the arrest of more JI and ASG members operating in the area within the Davao region.