Suspect in Sultan Kudarat bombings arrested

MANILA, Philippines — The primary suspect in bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat in 2018 was arrested in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Wednesday.

Norton Saptula, also known as Jihad Sabttula, was apprehended in Barangay Poblacion at around 10 a.m., Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas said.

Sinas said Saptula was ranked fifth on the list of most wanted persons in Soccsksargen.

The arrest was based on a warrant for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder issued by Sultan Kudarat Regional Trial Court Branch 19 Judge Lorenzo Balo.

Sinas said the suspect is a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters under the faction of Sukarno Sapal.

Saptula was tagged in the bombings in Barangay Kalawag III in August 2018 that left three persons dead and 36 others wounded and in Barangay Kalawag II in September of the same year wherein two people died and 14 were wounded.