2 alleged terrorists arrested in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Two men accused of being members of a Mindanao-based terror group were arrested in separate operations in Manila over the holidays, officials said yesterday.

Sudais Asmad and Jeran Aba were reported to be on a mission to disrupt the holiday season and the Black Nazarene procession, according to a high-ranking Manila Police District (MPD) official.

According to a National Capital Region Police Office report obtained by The STAR, Asmad was arrested in Binondo on Dec. 20, 2018 and is allegedly a member of the Abu Sayyaf under the umbrella of the Dawlah Islamiyah.

Aba was arrested on Dec. 25, 2018 after barangay officials saw him alight from a tricycle with a pistol tucked in his waistband. A hand grenade was also confiscated from him, said MPD director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr.

“The suspect is a member of the Dawlah Islamiyah and Moro Islamic Liberation Front and that he was planning to conduct an IED (improvised explosive device) attack during the holiday season,” Danao told The STAR.

He said the suspect also admitted that he fought during the Marawi siege.

“We did not come out with the report immediately because we don’t want to create panic among the public,” Danao said.

The suspects were charged with violation of the comprehensive firearms and explosives law and resisting arrest.