The military arrested a Swedish national and three local bandits believed to be behind the suicide bombing at the Isulan Public Market in Sultan Kudarat that left seven persons wounded last Sept. 7.
Western Mindanao Command spokesman Major Arvin Encinas identified the Swedish national as Hassan Akgun tagged by informants as the alleged suspect in the Isulan bombing.
The three local counterparts of the Swedish national arrested were Abedin Camsa, Normia Camsa and Norshiya Camsa, who were collared in Sitio Nakan in Barangay Kapaya, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.
Encinas said Akgun was a member of the Daulah Islamiya but did not tag him as a terrorist.
An explosive device placed at a row of motorcycle in front of the Isulan Public Market exploded, wounding seven innocent bystanders.
Encinas said military operatives seized one M16 rifle with magazine containing 27 ammunitions; 1 Caliber .45 colt with magazine containing 11 ammunitions; 1 Caliber .38 revolver; 1 shotgun; 1 improvised explosive device; 13 cellular phones; 2 gallons powder substance; 2 machine timers; 4 9-bolts battery; 1 yellow bulb; 1 switch; and a backpack containing an ISIS flag, 3 led bulbs, 2 USBs, 1 resistor, and 5 assorted wires from the suspect.
“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Central and our friends from the Philippine National Police for this accomplishment. Strong interagency collaboration and cooperation is what we need for a successful operational activity to be attained,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“Let us remain vigilant for there are still enemies out there who will always try to inflict havoc in the communities,” Sobejana added.
The suspects and the seized items from them were brought to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office for documentation and for filing of appropriate charges.