Arevalo says PNP to take temporary custody of ASG leader Susukan

Armed Forces spokesman Major General Edgard Arevalo said the Philippine National Police will temporarily have the custody of arrested Abu Sayyaf Group leader Anduljihad "Edang" Susukan.

"Per the arrangement between AFP chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay and PNP chief Police General Archie Gamboa and to facilitate the movement and simplify the processes, Susukan will be handed over by the composite security escort to the PNP upon disembarkation at the airport," Arevalo said in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

"The temporary custody will be with the PNP pending court order as to the detention facility where Susukan will be jailed," Arevalo added.

Susukan is set to be transported to Manila within the day.

Police served 23 warrants of arrest for murder, five for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and six for frustrated murder against Susukan at the residence of Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari in Yñigue Subdivision, Maa, Davao City.

Authorities are investigating if Misuari could be held liable for allegedly harboring a criminal.

Arevalo had said Misuari did not inform the military that the ASG leader was in his custody.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said security forces were not aware that Susukan arrived in Davao City with Misuari on Sunday.

He added that based on information he obtained, Misuari is claiming that he brought the Abu Sayyaf leader to yield him to the authorities.

“Misuari claims that he brought Susukan to surrender him to the authorities,” Lorenzana said.

Gapay has tasked the military forces in the Mindanao region to intensify focused military operations to prevent possible retaliation by Susukan's followers, Arevalo said.

"The soldiers will continue to harness the support of the local populace and civilians leaders to degrade the number and capability of these local terrorists who have been gripping ZamBaSulTa (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) residents in fear and panic," the AFP official said. — RSJ, GMA News