Police have arrested three suspected members of Islamic State-linked extremist group Daulah Islamiyah Ranao in operations in Parañaque City and Cainta, Rizal.
Operatives from the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group first arrested Marawi City natives Norodin Abolkhair Manalinding and Cairo Gen Manatao Abolkhair in Baclaran, Parañaque City around 3:30 a.m. after they yielded firearms, an explosive device, and ammunition following a surveillance operation.
Another suspected member of the terror group identified as Tagoranao Dimaro Sarip Jr. was arrested around 6 a.m. in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Cainta through search warrants for possessing illegal firearms and explosives.
Initial investigation revealed that Manalinding is an alleged finance facilitator and recruiter of the terrorist group.
The CIDG said Sarip is a member of the media cell of ISIS responsible in spreading propaganda for the group.
“These accomplishments of the CIDG forms part of the group’s focused law enforcement operations in connection with the government’s intensified effort to track down identified members of the ISIS-Daulah Islamiyah Ranao extremist group,” Police Lt. Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay, CIDG Metro Manila chief, told reporters in a press conference at the national police headquarters in Camp Crame.
“Their arrest shall give justice to the victims of their atrocities, ensure public safety and security, and send a message to other members-at-large that this government does not tolerate impunity.”