MANILA, Philippines — Lanao-based Maute group has already established its presence in Metro Manila but Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa advised the public to remain calm yet vigilant at all times.
Dela Rosa revealed in a press briefing on Tuesday the arrest of one of ISIS-inspired Maute group member identified as Nacip Ibrahim last night in Salam Compound in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.
Authorities confiscated firearms, suspected illegal drugs and components of an improvised explosive device (IED) from Ibrahim who also sheltered the Maute fighters who were arrested last year.
“I am glad that alert operatives of the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) discovered and intercepted in time an improvised explosive device (IED) being prepared by the suspects even before it can be delivered to its possible target or used elsewhere,” the PNP chief said.
“This discovery leads us to believe that the Maute group has already established presence in Metro Manila, as to what extent, that is the subject of our follow-up investigation and operations,” he added.
NCRPO Director Oscar Albayalde said that Ibrahim was involved in the foiled US Embassy bombing last December that resulted in the placing of the entire country under Terror Alert Level 3.
“Allegedly he is the driver of the (Toyota) Revo ginamit sa pag-transport ng IED from Mindanao to Metro Manila through RORO,” Albayalde explained.
“Mayroon silang contact dito, connections, mayroong members dito that protects them especially those who are coming from Mindanao,” he added.
Despite the terror threat, Dela Rosa assured the safety of the public by cooperating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“I do not want to sound alarmist or cause panic, but prudence, it has been said, is the better part of valor. I, therefore, urge our people to remain calm yet alert and vigilant of the presence of threat groups in our midst,” the nation’s top cop said.
Source : PhilStar