Terror suspect nabbed in Quiapo

The National Capital Region Police Office yesterday announced the arrest of an alleged terrorist in Quiapo, Manila.

In a statement sent to reporters, NCRPO chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said the suspect, identified as Jeran Aba, alias “Paito Pangadaman Liwal'g” and “Abu Sinan,” an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiyah, an Islamic Stateinspired terror group based in Mindanao, was apprehended last Christmas Day.

DI is believed to be behind some of the recent bombing incidents in the country.

Eleazar said Aba was arrested by patrolling members of the Manila Police District on Quezon Boulevard corner Norzagaray St.

Police said barangay officials spotted Aba with a pistol tucked in his waist while he was getting off a tricycle. Alarmed, the officials reported the sighting to cops who were passing by the area.

The patrolling cops confronted Aba and invited him to a police precinct for questioning. However, the suspect allegedly resisted arrest.

Police were forced to confiscate Aba's gun. As they frisked him, they also discovered a grenade in his possession, Eleazar said.

Aba was immediately brought to the police station where cops learned about his identity.

During interrogation, Eleazar said Aba admitted being a former member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2016. He also informed them of his participation in the Maute Terror Group-led seige in Marawi City in 2017.

"He was planning to conduct an improvised explosive device attack in the NCR during the holiday season and incoming festivals," Eleazar said.