Hunt vs cohorts of arrested Indo ‘bomb-maker' intensified

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The police has widened its intelligence and security operations against the suspected cohorts of an alleged Indonesian “bomb-maker” who was arrested last month in Palimbang town in Sultan Kudarat province.

In a press conference on Monday afternoon, Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen) director, said they have identified several personalities who had reportedly assisted the suspect, Mushalah Somina Rasim alias Abu Omar, in his movements in parts of the region.

Morales said joint operatives over the weekend were able to track the alleged safe house used by the Indonesian at the Doña Soledad subdivision in Barangay Labangal here, where they found an improvised explosive device and various bomb-making materials.

The safe house was discovered based on intelligence operations conducted by the PRO12, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies, he said.

"He (Mushalah) stayed there for several days upon arriving from Balut Island," Morales said.

Balut, which is part of Sarangani town in Davao Occidental, is close to Indonesia's Sangihe islands and a traditional "backdoor route" for Indonesians entering the Philippines.

Morales said the 32-year-old Mushalah, who was allegedly involved in suicide bombing activities in Indonesia, later transferred to Barangay Colobe in Palimbang, where he was arrested last March 10.

The suspect, who is now in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration, reportedly joined the remnants of the local terror group Ansar Khilafah Philippines, led by Abu Mahe in conducting recruitment activities in parts of Palimbang and nearby Maitum town in Sarangani.

Morales said the improvised explosive was "intentionally" hidden under a pile of sacks filled with charcoal, inside the safe house.