Alleged ‘bomb courier’ nabbed in SoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2021): Alleged ‘bomb courier’ nabbed in SoCot (By Richelyn Gubalani)

‘BOMB COURIER.’ Mugshot of alleged “bomb courier” Boni Lingay Sueb, 22, who was arrested by operatives while reportedly carrying explosive components late Thursday afternoon (June 24, 2021) at the boundary of Barangays Sulit and Lapu, Polomolok town in South Cotabato. The suspect is reportedly linked to Islamic State-inspired local terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya-Maguid Group or “Socsargen Katiba.” (Photo courtesy of Polomolok police station)

Joint law enforcement operatives have arrested an alleged “bomb courier” in a law enforcement operation on Thursday afternoon in a village in Polomolok town, South Cotabato province.

Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police director, said Friday suspect Boni Lingay Sueb, 22, was nabbed while reportedly carrying explosive components at the boundary of Barangays Sulit and Lapu around 5:30 p.m.

He said the operating team, which was in the area to serve several arrest warrants and conduct internal security operations, stopped and searched Sueb after noticing him moving suspiciously in the area.

The operatives, composed of elements from Army and police intelligence and operations units, found in the suspect’s backpack a rifle grenade, improvised plastic container, assorted wires, soldering gun, candle, and a document on “making improvised explosive”.

“Based on the information, the arrested suspect was a courier of IED (improvised explosive device) components within the area of South Cotabato and nearby (areas),” Siason said in a report.

Lt. Redin Cuevas, investigation unit chief of Polomolok police station, said they are currently looking into the suspect’s supposed links to Islamic State-inspired local terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya-Maguid Group or “Socsargen Katiba”.

He said their investigation showed that Sueb is not a bomb-maker but had been carrying or moving components for the group.

Cuevas said they are still establishing whether the suspect was a member of the terror group or just served as a paid courier of explosive materials.

“Our EOD (explosives ordnance disposal) unit is currently conducting a technical evaluation to check whether the recovered components were the same as those used in previous attacks in the area,” he said in a radio interview.

Cuevas said their intelligence monitoring and operations are ongoing against the remaining members and supporters of the Dawlah Islamiya in the area.

He said the key members of the group had reportedly left the area but it still has “eyes and ears” in the communities.

“We’re continually verifying that information and not taking for granted all reports that we’re getting from various sources,” he said.

The suspect will be charged with violation of Republic Act (RA) 9516 or the law on illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, and RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144969