Eleazar: No security threat in metro
THERE has been no security threat monitored by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Metro Manila despite the arrest of two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Taguig City, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar assured the citizenry on Wednesday.
“Sa panig ng PNP, wala tayong nakikitang banta ng terorismo dito sa Metro Manila. Patuloy ang imbestigasyon sa pagkakaaresto sa dalawang miyembro umano ng Abu Sayyaf sa Taguig. Inaalam pa ng mga imbestigador kung bakit narito sa NCR ang mga suspek,” he explained.
Gen. Eleazar commended members of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) headed by Major Gen. Vicente D. Danao Jr., the Southern Police District headed by Brigadier Gen. Jimili L. Macaraeg, the Taguig City Police Office and the Joint Task Force NCR for the arrest of suspects Taupik Galbun alias “Pa Wahid” and Saik Galbun alias “Pa Tanda” in an operation in Sitio Imelda, Upper Bicutan, Taguig City last Saturday.
No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the arrested rebels.
Galbun was nabbed on the strength of an arrest warrant for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.
He was allegedly under the group of Basilan-based Isnilon Hapilon and Bakal Hapilon. He served as guard for kidnap victims in Sulu and Basilan. He was also allegedly involved in the beheading of Primitivo Falcansantos, Crisanto Suela, and Guillermo Sobero.
He was also implicated in the abduction of three teachers in Sacol Island, Zamboanga City on January 23, 2009.
Furthermore, police said Galbun was involved in the kidnapping of six members of Jehovah’s Witness in August 20, 2002 in Patikul, Sulu. Two of the victims were beheaded while the four other victims were rescued.
On Tuesday, one of the victims of the August 2002 kidnapping incident identified Taupik’s companion, Saik Galbun or “Pa Tanda,” as one of the suspects who kidnapped her along with five others. With HECTOR LAWAS
