Authorities arrest 2 alleged members of ISIS in Laguna

Authorities have arrested two suspected members of the radical Islamic State (Isis) in two separate operations in Laguna, seizing two alleged flags of the extremist group, several firearms as well as explosive devices.

In a police report, authorities arrested Jimuel Velasco Dizon alias Amir, and Eddie Boy Alejo Bermejo alias Abdullah in two separate operations in the cities of Cabuyao and Sta. Rosa in Laguna on Thursday morning.

Search warrants were issued against the suspects by San Pablo City Regional Trial Court Branches 29 and 32 for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The operation was conducted by joint forces of the Philippine National Police Crime Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Counter-Terrorism Division-Intelligence Group (CTD-IG), and Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

Authorities seized several firearms and items, including: three .45-caliber handguns and 19 live ammos and two pieces of magazines of the same caliber; one .38-caliber revolver and three live ammos; two fragmentation hand grenade; two suspected improvised explosive devices (IED) with accessories; and two black alleged Isis flags.

Police said the suspects were alleged members of Suyuful Khilafa Fil Luzon group. /kga