Two ISIS sympathizers arrested by police, military forces in Laguna

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 27): Two ISIS sympathizers arrested by police, military forces in Laguna

Two suspected sympathizers of the terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) were arrested recently by joint police and military forces in Laguna province, the Philippine National Police (PNP) bared yesterday, amid growing concerns that the group is trying to establish a base in the country to strengthen its forces in Southeast Asia.

Jimuel Velasco Dizon alias Amir and Eddie Boy Alejo Bermejo alias Abdullah, both of legal age, were apprehended in a joint operation led by operatives of the PNP’s Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), together with the PNP’s Counter-Terrorism Division-Intelligence Group (PNP-CTD-IG), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Intelligence Services (ISAFP).

The two are suspected “Balik Islam” members and remnants of the Suyuful Khilafa Fil Luzon who were supposed to fight as a reinforcement for the local and foreign terror groups that wrought havoc during the siege in Marawi City last year. However, authorities said they failed to do so because of the presence of government troops.

In addition, the Suyuful Khilafa Fil Luzon is reportedly one of the more than 20 armed groups in the country who are trying to consolidate as one force after the Marawi siege under the name “ISIS Philippines.” The groups are reportedly trying to establish a base in the Philippines as a stronghold of the ISIS group in Southeast Asia.

According to a police report, the operating officers served two separate search warrants against the two suspects in their respective residences in Barangay Mamatid, Cabuyao City and Barangay Tagapo, Santa Rosa both in Laguna around 4:30 a.m. yesterday.

The report said search warrant Nos. L395 and L396 were issued by the San Pablo City Regional Trial Court Branch 29 and 32, dated April 23, 2018 for violation of the Republic Act10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The operating officers confiscated from the suspects two black ISIS flags, two fragmentation hand grenades, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), three caliber 45 pistols, a caliber 38 revolver, various ammunition and a laptop.

Relatedly, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde has earlier said no additional terror groups have entered the country.

“I have yet to talk to the AFP but I think there are no additional terror groups that have penetrated our borders. Hopefully, the remaining terror groups in the country will be arrested by our force in the coming days,” he said.

Authorities refused to disclose further details as they said follow-up operations have been conducted to apprehend other members of the Suyuful Khilafa Fil Luzon.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/27/two-isis-sympathizers-arrested-by-police-military-forces-in-laguna/