Police raid Nobleza’s house in Bukidnon, seize firearms, IED parts

Various firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive device components were seized Monday night at a house in Malaybalay, Bukidnon believed to be owned by Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza.

An initial report from Region 10 police showed that they conducted Oplan Paglalansag Omega at a house in Pine Hills Executive Homes, Purok 5, Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City based on information from their Bohol counterparts against Abu Sayyaf members.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bukidnon served as the lead unit in the raid, reinforced by elements from the Bukidnon Police, military and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. The raid was conducted around 9 p.m.

The raid was based on the search and seizure warrant dated April 24, 2017 issued by Malaybalay Regional Trial Court  Branch 9 Executive Judge Ma. Theresa Aban-camannong against Nobleza.

Among the items confiscated were an M16 rifle, seven magazines for M16 rifle, a cal. 45 pistol with one magazine loaded with seven cartridges, 218 cartridges for M16 rifle, and one bandoleer for M16 rifle.

Police also found one yellow timer to be used for improvised explosive device, bomb component/improvised explosive device, one set of soldering iron, 66 non-electric blasting caps, one piece 9 bolts battery, one piece tester, and assorted subversive documents allegedly pertaining terrorist activities.

Inside the house at the time of the raid were Al Mohammar Bayani, 22, and two minors, all of San Juan, Baroy, Lanao del Norte.

The confiscated items were brought to the CIDG office while cases for violation of Republic Act 10591 and RA 9516 against the respondents are being prepared for filing. The minors will be turned over to the City Social Welfare Department, Malaybalay City for proper disposition.

The raid was conducted minutes before the search at the apartment rented by Nobleza in Barangay Looc, Panglao, Bohol.

Chief Insp. Ryan Panganiban, CIDG-Bukidnon officer-in-charge, said they learned about the house from their counterparts in Bohol who interrogated Nobleza.

“Base sa mga imbestigador sa Bohol na sinabi ni Nobleza na may bahay siya dito (sa Bukidnon) kaya nag-conduct kami ng surveillance at sinabi na ng mga kapitbahay na may isang pulis na nakatira doon,” Panganiban told GMA News Online over the phone.

He said they received information that bombs were being made in the house so they applied for a warrant of arrest.

“Kumuha kami ng warrant para legal na mapasok iyong bahay at doon nga nakita na may EID component, may high-powered firearms, mga blasting caps. Andun pa nga ‘yung mga uniform niya (Nobleza),” he said.

He said the three people found inside the house were relatives of Renoor Lou Dongon, who was arrested together with Nobleza in Bohol.

He said they cannot ascertain yet how long Nobleza had been residing in the house.

“Limited span of time lang po kasi pero this raid was a result of an intelligence driven operation. Tulungan po ito ng intelligence community,” said Panganiban. — RSJ, GMA News