PNP says arrested IS commander may not be a ‘lone wolf’

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will remain on heightened alert for any possible terror attack following the arrest of a suspected Islamic State (IS) terrorist on Monday.

PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. John Bulalacao on Tuesday said the national police is not disregarding the possibility that arrested terror suspect Fehmi Lassqued may not be a “lone wolf.”

“Bagamat patuloy pa ang pag iimbestiga, hindi natin ine-etsapwera yung ganun ideya na mayroon siyang mga kasamahan,” the PNP spokesperson said in an interview over dzMM.

Bulalacao said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) was ordered by PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to gather additional intelligence on Lassqued and his alleged terrorist connections.

“Ang NCRPO ay inatasan na ng ating chief PNP na imbestigahan itong mga ganitong allegation para masiguro natin na ang dapat na gagawin ng Philippine National Police ay angkop sa kung ano mang impormasyon na ma-gather nila dito sa ating investigation,” he said.

Lassqued, an alleged IS commander and his Filipino companion were arrested in their apartment in Malate, Manila. According to authorities, Lassqued has been frequenting the Philippines since 2016.

READ: Arrested IS terror suspect yields bomb parts

Meanwhile, Bulalacao assures that the PNP is exerting all efforts to keep the public safe.

Bulalacao also adds that Manila remains under full alert following the series of major events that took place in the Metro last week.

“Naka full alert kami dahil hindi pa ibinababa mula noong nagkaroon tayo ng mga major activities sa Manila,” Bulalacao said.  /muf