Local terror group member nabbed in Sarangani

A member of the terror group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) was arrested by police before dawn Thursday in Maasim, Sarangani.

The suspect was identified as Akbar Maguid Buyoc alias Abu Saipen of Sitio Dampilan,   Barangay Lumatil, Maasim town in Sarangani Province. He is alleged the right hand man of former AKP leader Tokboy Maguid.

Operatives from Region 12 police nabbed Buyoc for violation of Article 134 (Rebellion) of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines at 3:15 a.m. He is on the arrest order No. 2 signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

The police recovered a fragmentation grenade from his possession.

Buyoc is said to be the contact of and tasked by Tokboy Maguid whenever the group purchased improvised explosive device components.

Senior Supt. Joseph Semillano, Sarangani Police Provincial Office director, said they are continuously conducting intelligence monitoring for alleged regrouping remnants of Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines.

Senior Supt. Johnson Almazan said Region 12 police is enhancing the management of PNP operation, for possible terrorist attack in the region.

“PNP PRO12 performs measures like target hardening measures and working together to address any nefarious activities that may happen in the area of responsibility,” he said. — BAP, GMA News