Cops probe Abu bomber for terror plot

Police yesterday confirmed they have in their custody a suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber in Quezon City and authorities are investigating if the suspect is planning to sow terror in Metro Manila.

Interior and Local Government officer-incharge Catalino Cuy said based on their information, Abdulgaffar Jikiri, also known as Abu Bakar Jikiri, went to Metro Manila to avoid security forces in Mindanao pursuing him.

Jikiri and his two companions, Alim Sabtalin and Sadam Jhofar, were arrested at the Salam Compound in Barangay Culiat at around 5:15 p.m. Friday, Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar said in a text message.

They were charged before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and illegal possession of explosives.

At the time of Jikiri’s arrest, two M203 rifle grenades and a .45 caliber pistol were found in his possession. Another .45 caliber pistol was confiscated from Jhohar.

The joint operation was conducted by members of the National Intelligence Coordination Agency, National Bureau of Investigation and QCPD.

Jikiri’s arrest is part of security operations aimed at disrupting possible attacks by suspected terrorists related to the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit next week. Cuy said it is too early to tell if Jikiri’s presence in Metro Manila has anything to do with the ASEAN summit.

“It’s still under investigation,” he said in a phone interview, adding probers are trying to determine how long Jikiri has been staying in the metropolis.