No terror threats on Independence Day after alleged ASG leader’s arrest

Mug shot of Khair Mundos, a key leader and financier of ASG who was also tagged as a bomber, after being arrested. PHOTO from PNP

MANILA, Philippines–A police official dispelled claims that there were looming terrorist threats on the Independence Day on Thursday following the arrest of top Abu Sayyaf Group leader and bomber on the eve of the June 12 celebration.

Senior Superintendent Roberto Fajardo, National Capital Region Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (NCR CIDG) chief, said arrest of Khair Mundos just happened to precede the Independence Day celebration on Thursday.

“We are just implementing the warrant of arrest and the recapture so na-timing lang ito,” Fajardo said.

In a joint operation by the military and police intelligence forces, Mundos, 50, was nabbed in a Parañaque City residence on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

A high-ranking ASG official, Mundos served as a middleman for his group to the international Al Qaeda terrorist network.

While the Philippine National Police (PNP) offered a P1.2 million reward for his arrest, the United States Justice Department placed a $500,000 bounty on Mundos’ arrest.

Fajardo said they are still looking into his alleged continuing link with the Al Qaeda.

In 2007, Mundos escaped from Kidapawan Provincial Jail in Cotabato province.

The police official said Mundos had been going around the country since he went into hiding.

“He did not stay permanently (in Metro Manila). Nagtatago lang daw siya rito dahil mainit siya sa Mindanao,” he added.

Mundos will be temporarily held at the NCR CIDG office before he would return his arrest warrant to Kidapawan City.

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