Authorities have arrested a suspected member of the Maute rebel group in Cubao, Quezon City.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde presented the suspect to the media and identified him as Unday Madacato.
According to Albayalde, Madacato, who was arrested Monday, was only one of many suspected members of the Maute group who fled Marawi.
READ: AFP admits some Maute gunmen fled Marawi as evacuees
“Kapag mainit sila sa Mindanao, they come here, they rest, earn money. ‘Yun ang front nila kaya ‘di sila nanggugulo sa Metro Manila. Safe haven ito (If it’s hot in Mindanao, they come here to rest and earn money. That’s their front. This is their safe haven),” Albayalde told reporters.
He added that the rebels usually bring their earnings back to Mindanao to buy explosives and ammunition.
Found in Madacato’s possession during his arrest were a .45-caliber handgun and a grenade. He is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Camilo Cascolan said Madacato was allegedly “a sniper in the Marawi siege.”
“He is part of executive order number 1 of the Office of the Martial Law Administrator for the apprehension of personalities involved in the rebellion in Mindanao,” Cascolan said./ee