Authorities find Rizal cop's IDs, drug paraphernalia in Marawi mosque

Security forces found a policeman's ID and drug paraphernalia in a mosque in Marawi City  during clearing operations on Saturday.

In a report on 24 Oras, shabu pipes and lighters were found in the mosque, where some 30 Maute group gunmen were believed to have established firing positions.

"'Yung mosque na 'yun, 'yung masjid na 'yun, ginagamit ng Maute terrorist group as safe haven," explained Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group Mindanao head Chief Inspector Wilson Santos.

"Doon sila bumabatak. And ginagamit din nila 'yun as sniping area," Santos added.

Aside from the drug paraphernalia, authorities also recovered an identification card and a driver's license that belonged to a police officer who was assigned in Rizal province.

"Nakuhanan kasi siya ng picture. Kasi, andoon sa area kasama ng mga Maute," said Santos.

He added that the Rizal cop was seen with Davao City bombing suspect Police Officer 2 Jessy Vincent Guinto Original, who was also known by the alias Abu Aisha.

Aisha was a member of the Antipolo City Police Station in Rizal province.

"Nung kinausap ko si Original during his arrest, sinabi niya sa 'kin na may kasama pa siyang isang pulis. Hindi lang niya pinangalanan 'yung pulis na 'yun. Eh ngayon nakita na natin kung sino 'yung kasamang pulis ni Original," Santos said.

Police investigators are checking if the Rizal cop had gone AWOL. —Anna Felicia Bajo/DVM, GMA News