(Updated 11:29 a.m.) COTABATO CITY - Wanted suspected terrorist Mohamad Ali Tambako, former vice chairman of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and five others were arrested Sunday night in General Santos City.
The operation was carried out by joint elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police who served a warrant of arrest for murder and double frustrated murder against Tambako.
According to officials, Tambako’s arrest is crucial because he can clarify whether alleged Filipino bomb maker Akmad Batabol Usman alias Abdul Basit Usman is dead, wounded, or managed to escape the military operations carried out by the AFP against the BIFF.
Five other suspected BIFF members were arrested along with Tambako—Mesharie Edio Gayak, Datukan Sato Sabiwang, Ali Valley Ludisima, Ibrahim Manap Kapina, and Abusahma Badrudin Guiamil.
They, along with Tambako, were on a tricycle in Bgy. Calumpang heading toward the sea port in General Santos City at 9 p.m. on Sunday when intercepted by combined military and police intelligence and operating troops.
During the arrest, three fragmentation grenades and two short firearms were also seized.
Tambako has a standing warrant of arrest for murder and multiple murder issued by Judge Jorge Jabido RTC branch 15 in Cotabato City.
Tambako was responsible for beheading farmer Ricarte Dionio in Midsayap, North Cotabato after he led a group of bandits in attacking a Christian community in the said town in 2013.
Tambako has a standing warrant of arrest for murder and multiple murder issued by Judge Jorge Jabido RTC branch 15 in Cotabato City.
Tambako was responsible for beheading farmer Ricarte Dionio in Midsayap, North Cotabato after he led a group of bandits in attacking a Christian community in the said town in 2013.
The Philippine Army said there is a high possibility that Tambako was also among those who brutally killed the 44 commandos of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) in Mamasapano town in Magiundanao on January 25, 2015.
The PA said Tambako's group was also believed to be coddling Usman and five other foreign terrorists, who are trained in bomb-making and other terroristic activities.
[Video report]
Having been exposed to foreign terror networks in the Middle East, Tambako had established a network of contacts among the notorious Islamic fundamentalist groups around the world, the PA said.
Justice for Islamic Movement
Tambako bolted the BIFF in November 2013 over differences with former comrades.
He established his own organization, Justice for Islamic Movement, said to be the closest to Usman. The five men arrested with Tambako are believed to be JIM members.
He established his own organization, Justice for Islamic Movement, said to be the closest to Usman. The five men arrested with Tambako are believed to be JIM members.
Tambako was a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before he joined the BIFF.
It is not yet known whether Tambako's group was planning to escape using the backdoor gateway going to Indonesia via the sea port in General Santos City or was planning to plot another terror attack. Interrogation is still underway.
Authorities are hoping the capture of Usman and BIFF founder Ameril Umra Kato will happen soon following Tambako's arrest.
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