MANILA, Philippines — Abu Sayyaf leader Abduljihad Susukan, alias Idang, was transferred to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at Camp Crame yesterday.
The military aircraft that brought Susukan from Davao City arrived at the Clark International Airport at around 10:32 p.m. on Friday.
Susukan, who was wearing personal protective equipment aside from a face mask and face shield, was accompanied by his wife Nafrisa and police officers from Davao City. They were escorted by Special Action Force commandos.
The convoy of vehicles that brought Susukan to Camp Crame arrived at around 1 a.m., PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac told reporters in a Viber message.
Susukan underwent swab testing for coronavirus disease 2019 and documentation procedures before he was brought to his detention cell at the PNP Custodial Center.
“Susukan will remain at the PNP Custodial Center pending release of the court’s disposition,” Banac said.
The PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) beefed up security for possible retaliatory attacks from the Abu Sayyaf following Susukan’s arrest.
The bandit was arrested on Thursday night at the home of Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari in Barangay Ma-a in Davao City.
Susukan reportedly stayed at Misuari’s residence for about a week after he arrived in Davao City from Sulu.
The military said Misuari should explain why Susukan was under his custody, adding that he could face charges if it is established that he coddled the Abu Sayyaf leader.
‘Surrender deal’
Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson expressed concern over an alleged ”surrender deal” brokered by Misuari.
”Huwag naman sana. Pag pinaghalo ang pulitika at terorismo, talo lahat. Why? Politics has no logic and terrorism has no reason,” Lacson, who sponsored the Anti-Terrorism Act, said in a post on Twitter.
”We had sent the right message to the world that we mean business against terorism with tough legislation... But we could be sending the wrong message if we allow politics into the mix as in the case of Susukan,” Lacson said. – Paolo Romero