By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its counter-terrorism measures following the arrest of an alleged Dawlah Islamiyah–Maguid Group member linked to the 2018 bombing in General Santos City.
Authorities arrested the suspect, who has an outstanding arrest warrant from the General Santos City Regional Trial Court, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Wednesday.
“We have directed our units to enhance visibility patrols and intelligence coordination,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
“Dagdag alertness lang ito (This is just additional alertness), but the public can go about their normal activities without fear.”
The bomb attack that took place in a commercial area in General Santos City left eight civilians, including a three-year-old child, injured.
Nartatez clarified that the arrest does not automatically mean the local terror group remains strong or active.
“What it shows is that law enforcement remains vigilant. Kung may natitirang elements (If there are some elements left), we are actively tracking them,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Nartatez said the PNP is looking into the possible link of the two recently arrested foreign arms dealers to a “larger syndicate.”
“Our intelligence units are currently conducting a thorough validation to see if these individuals are part of a larger syndicate,” he said, adding the investigation will identify the two suspects’ connections and accomplices.
The two foreigners, a 39-year-old Chinese national and a 33-year-old Taiwanese national, were apprehended on Wednesday in Pasay City. (PNA)
