MANILA, Philippines – A suspected member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) was arrested in a counter-terrorism operation in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Wednesday.
PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas identified the suspect as Norton Salipada Saptula, 23, also known as Jihad Salipada Sabttula. Police said Saptula is the 5th most wanted in Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN).
According to the police, Saptula has a warrant of arrest for murder with multiple frustrated murder issued by Branch 19 of the Regional Trial Court 12 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on November 23, 2018.
The police said Saptula was involved in a series of bombing incidents in 2018, the first was at Isulan in Sultan, Kudarat on August 28 killing three and injuring 36 civilians. The second incident was on September 2, 2018, at Brgy. Kalawag 2, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat killing two and wounding 14 civilians.
Sinas said that the arrest of Saptula is a “setback” to BIFF operations in Maguindanao and nearby provinces.
“The arrest of Saptula is a setback in the atrocities of the BIFF operating in Maguindanao area and nearby provinces. Moreover, this successful operation would likely affect the planned attacks of Local and Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” he said.
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