Alleged Abu Sayyaf member, other wanted suspects fall in anti-crime ops

MANILA, Philippines — Four suspects including an alleged member of terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were arrested in a series of anti-crime operations conducted in Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Friday.

Information from NCRPO stated that a certain Hajar bin Abdul Mubin, 30, who goes by the alias Abu Arsie, was arrested by elements of the Pasay City Police Station and other intelligence and anti-terrorism units from the Philippine National Police in an operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 on Thursday night.

According to NCRPO, the suspect, who is facing charges before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 in Zamboanga City for kidnapping for ransom, is one of the most wanted individuals of the Pasay City police.

Officers served the arrest warrant during the operation.  NCRPO said no bail has been recommended for the temporary release of the suspect.

Aside from the alleged ASG member, three more suspects were arrested in the operations: in Taguig, officers from NCRPO’s Regional Special Operations Group conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of Rasil Mohammad, 37.

According to NCRPO, Mohammad was carrying an unlicensed firearm, specifically a .45 caliber Colt 1911 with serial number 15348 and a 9mm black widow revolver.  Police said the .45 caliber was loaded with three live bullets, while the revolver had four live bullets.

Authorities also seized another magazine for the .45 caliber handgun that contained three live bullets too.

Two more suspects were arrested in Quezon City, after the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) served warrants against the Anonas Station’s two most wanted persons identified as Jhommari Villarias, 24; and Jefferson Requillas Britanico, 24.

Villarias was the station’s Top 10 most wanted person, while Requillas was top one.

According to NCRPO, Villarias has a pending arrest order for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act before the Quezon City RTC, while Britanico was charged for murder before Ligao City, Albay’s RTC.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad said that the arrest of the suspects is good news as it shows proper coordination between law enforcement agencies and civilians can lead to efficient operations. With reports from Andy Hoo, INQUIRER.net trainee

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JPV