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Alleged NAIA bomb try mastermind Elly Pamatong arrested


(Updated 6:45 p.m.) Government agents on Wednesday arrested former presidential candidate Elly Pamatong, who is being linked to the foiled bombing attempt at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

"I am on my way to the office with Pamatong," National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Virgilio Mendez told reporters.

Pamatong was arrested at NAIA after arriving from Cagayan de Oro on board a Philippine Airlines Express flight 2P-2526.

In a text message to reporters, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Pamatong was arrested "on the strength of the Oct 2013 warrant of arrest issued by MTC-QC in inciting to sedition case." she said in a text message to reporters.

Contacted by reporters, Mendez, however, clarified that Pamatong was arrested not for inciting to sedition but for malicious mischief. He said the arrest warrant was issued by Judge Joel Lopena of the Municipal Trial Court Branch 33 in Quezon City in October 2013.

Pamatong earned notoriety in 2004 when he scattered metal spikes on Roxas Boulevard, leaving scores of vehicles with flat tires.

Malicious mischief is a bailable offense. Pamatong's bail is set at P12,000.

Mendez said Pamatong also has another pending arrest warrant, this time for illegal possession of firearms, issued by a Laguna court.

Mendez refused to reveal how they were able to track down and arrest Pamatong, saying it was part of the NBI's "investigative, intelligence technique."

Pamatong, who was disqualified in the 2004 and 2010 presidential races allegedly for being a "nuisance" candidate, had admitted responsibility to the attempted bombing by a group reportedly disgruntled at the government's handling of the territorial dispute with China.

"Well, to a certain extent I am responsible kasi in-encourage ko yang si Jojo [Guerrero]," he said in a report on GMA News' "Saksi" Tuesday night.

"My instruction was to do everything reasonable to stop Chinese economic domination of the Philippines, and dismemberment of the Philippines," Pamatong said.  —with Amanda Fernandez/KBK/ELR, GMA News
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