AWOL cop arrested in Misamis Oriental; IED seized

A policeman who went absent without leave (AWOL) was arrested in Balingoan town in Misamis Oriental after he was caught in possession of an improvised explosive device.

The AWOL policeman, identified as PO1 Joseph Jay Abao, also faces separate charges for allegedly raping his own wife, GMA Northern Mindanao's Kaye Mercado reported.

Police served this week two arrest warrants against Abao, who was formerly with the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), on charges of rape and violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.

Abao was visiting a relative when he was arrested.

Balingoan police head Inspector Edwin Ipan said Abao even kicked the town's deputy police chief, but other members of the police team subdued and eventually handcuffed him.

When the police team searched Abao's house, they found an improvised explosive device with wiring leading to a liquefied petroleum gas tank.

The device is now being examined by the local explosives and ordnance division.

The Testigo report quoted police as saying Abao could have used the IED against arresting police teams or against his wife. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News