THERE is no security threat monitored in the National Capital Region (NCR) despite the arrest of two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Taguig City.
This was the assurance given by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar, as he commended the joint teams of the National Capital Region Police Office, the Southern Police District, the Taguig City Police, and the Joint Task Force NCR for the arrest of suspects Taupik Galbun a.k.a “Pa Wahid,” and Saik Galbun a.k.a “Pa Tanda” in an operation in Sitio Imelda, Upper Bicutan, Taguig City.
Reports at the PNP Chief’s office said that “Pa Wahid” has several arrest warrants against him including six (6) counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom. He was said to be a member of the ASG directly under the late Isnilon Hapilon and Radulan Sahiron. He allegedly took part in the beheading of three persons and the abduction of three teachers in Zamboanga City as well as six members of the Jehovah’s Witness in Patikul, Sulu.
“Pa Tanda” was implicated in the kidnapping of the six Jehovah’s Witness members and also has a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.
“Sa panig ng PNP, wala tayong nakikitang banta ng terorismo dito sa Metro Manila. Patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa pagkakaaresto sa dalawang miyembro umano ng Abu Sayyaf sa Taguig. Inaalam pa ng mga imbestigador kung bakit narito sa NCR ang mga suspek,” said PGen. Eleazar.
Authorities are also continuing to check if the suspects have cohorts in Metro Manila and if they were planning to commit acts of terror.
He urged the public to immediately report to authorities if they see anything suspicious or if they have information on the presence of lawless individuals in their areas.