Military files charges vs. suspected Spanish terrorist

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday pressed charges with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against a suspected Spanish terrorist arrested in Basilan on Monday.

Abdelhakim Labidi Adib underwent inquest proceedings in connection with the complaint for illegal possession of explosives before Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong and Assistant State Prosecutor Rodan Parrocha where the 20-year old denied the charges against him.

Adib’s arrest came after the AFP’s 14th Special Forces Company received intelligence information that two suspicious personalities, one believed to be a foreign national, were to pass Barangay Townsite in Maluso, Basilan.

Adib was then arrested at the military checkpoint in Barangay Townsite while his companion, a member of the Abu Sayyaf group, was able to run away.

The military said it seized from Adib two grenades, various improvised explosive device components, various identification cards and cash amounting to P8,520.

“Adib is a known Abu Sayyaf sympathizer and ardent supporter for the establishment of Islamic caliphate in the Philippines,” the complaint stated.

It was also learned that Adib is already an overstaying foreigner in the Philippines as his tourist visa expired on December 8 last year.

Adib, a Spaniard of Tunisian descent, arrived in the country from Switzerland on October 10, 2017.

Represented by the Public Attorney’s Office during the inquest proceedings, Adib said the accusations against him were false and that he would provide evidence to prove his innocence.

He also said he came to the Philippines for vacation and has been to Manila, Davao, and Cagayan De Oro.

“There are many beautiful women here,” Adib said in Spanish.

He denied knowing the name of his Filipino companion whom he claimed was his guide. He also denied owning the black backpack and the explosives found inside.

Adib said he was planning to return to Spain before he was arrested.

From Basilan, the Spaniard said he would take a ferry to Zamboanga City where he would wait for the money that would be sent by his father so he could buy a plane ticket.

Adib is set to file his counter-affidavit to the complaint on January 31. —ALG, GMA News