Dawlah Islamiya leader linked to bus bombings in central Mindanao falls

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have expressed confidence there will be reduced threats to businesses from terrorists in central Mindanao following the arrest of one of their leaders.

Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, BARMM police director, said the suspected leader behind the series of bus bombings in central Mindanao region fell into the police dragnet on Thursday in a joint operation in Maguindanao del Sur.

Tanggawohn identified the suspect only as Ali who has a standing warrant of arrest for four counts of attempted murder issued by a court in Kabacan town, Cotabato province.

READ: AFP targets eliminating IS-linked Daulah Islamiyah by year end

The suspect is a member of Dawla Islamiyah Hassan Group (DI-HG) and former member of Al-khobar kidnapping group, said Tanggawohn.

Ali was arrested by joint police operatives in Cotabato province and Maguindanao del Sur on Aug 27 in Barangay Midpandacan, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun town, Maguindanao del Sur.

Tanggawohn said the suspect was linked to extortion activities against business establishments such as banana plantations run by multinational companies and bus firms.

Tanggawohn lauded the successful coordinated police operations that led to the suspect’s arrest.

“The police in BARMM remain committed to apprehending threats to our community. We urge the public to support law enforcement by providing helpful information,” Tanggawohn said.