Assorted bomb components seized from communist rebel in Jolo — PNP

By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu - 3 years ago

Different items believed to be essential parts for an improvised explosive device were seized from a communist rebel in Jolo, Sulu, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos. Photo from the PNP PIO

MANILA, Philippines — Different items believed to be essential parts for an improvised explosive device were seized from a communist rebel in Jolo, Sulu, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

Reports from the PNP’s Public Information Office (PNP-PIO) said that the operation, done in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, also managed to obtain documents linked to communist terrorist groups.

According to PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos, a certain Nursitta Malud was arrested after the operation done by the 72nd Special Action Company (SAC) and 74th SAC, 7th SAB and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, the Criminal Investigation Detection Group of Region 9, and the 35th Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army, and AFP-EOD in Barangay Tulay of Jolo last Saturday.

Among the items recovered from the suspect are:

One (1) cartridge 81mm
Nine inches det cord
One (1) blasting cap
23 inches #16 stranded wire attached to blasting cap
One (1) plastic container with arming switch
15 inches #16 stranded wire loop type switch
One (1) 9-volt battery with snap connector
One (1) electric tape
One (1) Lighter
15-meter nylon string
Assorted identification cards
Three (3) cellular phones
Four (4) sim cards
Three (3) SD cards
Assorted money remittance receipts

PNP said Malud was arrested after a court issued a search warrant, for possible violation of Republic Act No. 9516 or the provisions on the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives.

Carlos said that the arrest of the suspect is a significant development regarding the police’s campaign against crime and terrorism.

“Malud’s arrest is a significant development in the PNP’s anti-criminality operations and manhunt against wanted persons especially known supporters of terrorist groups,” Carlos said in the statement.

“The unrelenting efforts of the police and military have been the contributory factors for the continuous arrests of more active and former members of CTGs and CNTs and recovery of their logistics which will have a huge blow to the rebels and weakened their state,” he added.

PNP said that Malud is currently detained at the Jolo Municipal Police Station while the evidence seized from him were placed under the custody of the Sulu CIDG.

JPV