MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Friday announced the arrest of two alleged sympathizers of the extremist group ISIS in Laguna province.
In a press conference, Albayalde identified the suspects as Jimuel Velasco Dizon, alias Amir; and Eddie Boy Alejo Bermejo alias Abdullah, both of whom are Balik Islam converts and former members of the Rajah Sulayman Group (RSG).
They were arrested in separate operations in Cabuyao and Sta. Rosa City, Laguna and were identified as members of the Suyuful Khilafa Fil Luzon.
Albayalde said no definite plan for an attack was recovered from the suspects who yielded four handguns, ammunition, grenades , a laptop, and an ISIS flag.
"(W)ala tayong nakuhang plano, although they are already a subject of our surveillance ever since. Ang intelligence built up is because medyo ito ay identified as members of local threat groups who have pledged allegiance to ISIS, kaya (We did not recover a plan. They have been the subject of surveillance ever since. The intelligence built up because they were identified as members of local threat groups who have pledged allegiance to ISIS. That is why) they were all subjected for our case buildup and surveillance operations," the police chief said.
Two search warrants, signed by San Pablo City Judge Agripino Morga, were served on the two men on Block 31, Lot 114 Joshua St., Phase 5, Mabuhay Subdivision, Barangay Mamatid, Cabuyao City, Laguna and on Block 17, Lot 18, Celina Homes 5 Subdivision, Barangay Tagapo, Sta. Rosa City, also in Laguna early Thursday.
"This is an indication that our law enforcers and our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and intelligence operatives are doing their job. This is part of our target hardening measures, part of our proactive measures to prevent terror attacks, particularly here in Metro Manila," Albayalde said.
Police Regional Office 4-A (Calabarzon) Director Guillermo Eleazar said follow-up operations are being undertaken.
The two suspects will be charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. (PNA)
