No terror threat in NCR after arrests of ASG members in Taguig — PNP

Philippine National Police chief Guillermo Eleazar. PHOTO FROM PNP PIO

MANILA, Philippines — There is no reason to raise the security level in Metro Manila following the arrests Saturday of two members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Taguig City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured Wednesday.

PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar said the arrests of Taupik Galbun alias “Pa Wahid” and Saik Galbun alias “Pa Tanda” in Barangay Upper Bicutan is not a cause for alarm. However, Eleazar said the PNP maintains its vigilance.

According to the PNP, Taupik Galbun took part in the beheadings of three persons and in the abduction of three teachers in Zamboanga City in 2009. Meanwhile, the PNP added that the two arrested ASG members were also involved in the kidnappings of Jehovah’s Witnesses members in Patikul, Sulu in 2002.

“Sa panig ng PNP, wala tayong nakikitang banta ng terorismo dito sa Metro Manila,” Eleazar said in a statement.

(For the PNP’s part, we don’t see any threat of terrorism in Metro Manila.)

“Patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa pagkakaaresto sa dalawang miyembro umano ng Abu Sayyaf sa Taguig. Inaalam pa ng mga imbestigador kung bakit narito sa NCR ang mga suspek.”

(Our investigation following the arrest of the two Abu Sayyaf members is ongoing. Investigators are trying to find out what is the reason for their presence here in the NCR.)

Eleazar added that the PNP is also probing for the presence of other ASG members in Metro Manila.

“Magkagayon man, nananatiling alerto ang ating kapulisan para masiguro ang kapayapaan at kaayusan dito sa Kamaynilaan,” Eleazar said.

(Should that happen, our police will be on alert to ensure peace and safety in Metro Manila.)

/MUF