‘ISIS’ couple nabbed
The couple, both residents of General Santos City, were arrested at a police checkpoint in Barangay Tablon; two grenades, pistol seized from the couple
Authorities have arrested a couple who are suspected members of the local Daesh/ISIS terrorist group at a checkpoint in barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, 4:50 p.m., Wednesday, June 6.
Arrested were Eyadzhemar Abusalam, 26, and companion Dianne Catherine Palmitos, 25; both are nurses and residents of General Santos City.
Both are suspected of being facilitators for Islamist extremists.
The couple were arrested through the Oplan Paglalansag Omega, a campaign against private armies and loose firearms carried out by the Martial Law-Special Action Group composed of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and other intelligence units of the police in Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro City.
Seized from the suspects were two MK2 fragmentation grenades and a caliber .45 pistol.
Authorities said the operation was launched after a tip was reported that the suspects were on board a passenger bus and may pass through the city.
The suspects were also monitored to have been sending medical supplies to the Maute-ISIS group during the Marawi City siege.
Police added the couple allegedly plotted an attack targeting the Black Nazarene Festivities in Quiapo, Manila early this year.
The suspects are now detained and will face illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa II, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), said policemen are ordered not to let their guards down and to continue the strict security inspections to ensure threat groups could not enter the city.
First Lieutenant Tere Ingente, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), also said security is a shared responsibility where the community has a big role in ensuring peace and order.
“I urged everyone to remain vigilant for any suspicious person or activity in your area. If ever there are such, immediately inform to the nearest police station of AFP unit in your area,”Ingente said.