Authorities hold Egyptian on links with alleged Islamic militants in Zamboanga City

February 26, 2018

Security forces held another Egyptian national Sunday in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga on suspicion he is working with Islamic militants.

Authorities detained for investigation the suspect, Mohamed Shaabab Abdelaziz, who was on a boat for Isabela City in Basilan, said Lt. Noriel Ramos, acting station commander of Philippine Coast Guard in Zamboanga City.

Abdelaziz, according to Ramos, came from Giza in Egypt and was working as a volunteer in the Uthman Bin Affan Foundation for Development, Relief, Da’wah and Education in Iligan City.

“Interpol and other intel counterparts are currently conducting tactical interrogation,” Ramos said.

Ramos said Abdelaziz initially told investigators he was supposed to travel to Basilan to engage in a fishing business.

Only last week, Egyptian Fehmi Lassquedand his wife An­abel Mon­cera Sali­pada, 32, of Upi, Maguin­danao province did not resist arrest when authorities raided Room 409 of Casa Blanca Apart­ment on M. Adri­atico Street in Malate, Manila. DMS