Government agents arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport an alleged member of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) wanted by the law for kidnapping.
A composite team from the Southern Police District, the Bureau of Immigration, Police – Aviation Security Group, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Manila International Airport Authority, and the Philippine National Police arrested Hajar Binadbul Mubina who also goes by the aliases Abu Asrie, Mheiradz, Muad, and Muhadz.
The 30-year-old suspect was a resident of Bubuan Island, in Basilan.
The authorities nabbed Mubina upon his arrival at the NAIA – Terminal 3 from Malaysia around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.
SPD director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said the composite team conducted the operation based on the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Peter Eisma of Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court.
He added that Mubina was wanted for the crime of kidnapping for ransom with no bail recommended.
“Mubina is a member of ASG based in Basilan under the demised leader Furuji Indama. He was also involved in at least four encounters with the military,” Macaraeg said.
Investigations showed that Mubina left the ASG in 2015 and went to Malaysia to evade arrest and prosecution for his crimes.
While in Sabah, the suspect was able to secure a fake identification card or permanent residence card. He created his Facebook account under the name of Mhieradz Zhiadqie IV to get in touch with his friends.
“On Aug. 29, 2017, the Malaysian police barged in Mubina’s house and arrested him, together with seven Filipino neighbors for terrorism-related offenses with no right to counsel. He claimed that the Malaysian police accused him of planning to stage terror attack during the SEA Games and the Merdeka celebration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” Macaraeg said.
Mubina was placed in the custody of SPD Special Operation Unit pending the issuance of commitment order from the court in Zamboanga.
Macaraeg commended the operating units for the successful arrest of “a long-time fugitive and a member of the ASG.”
“We continue to work with our counterparts to close the net around fugitives no matter where they are. This is an example of law enforcement working closely together to ensure justice will prevail and demonstrating there is nowhere safe to hide (for criminals),” he said.