Alleged TESDA provincial director arrested in Basilan

June 25, 2019

An alleged provincial director of  TESDA ( Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) was arrested after explosives were found inside a house where she is staying at Isabela City, Basilan Tuesday morning.

In a police report, the arrested person was identified as Muida Hataman.

Joint police and military operation occured around 4:10 am at Brgy. San Rafael, Isabela City in Basilan to serve a search warrant.

In a press briefing, Police Colonel Bernard Banac, spokesman of the Philippine National Police ( PNP) said Hataman denied owning the confiscated explosive and materials for bomb-making.

  Banac added said Hataman also denied being wife of an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander.

  "We are still checking her background since she is denying any involvement with the terrorist group and according to her, she is only there as guest," he said.

  "But because of the search warrant, she was arrested," he said.

  Banac said authorities are still looking for the owner of the house.

Hataman was brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional office  in Zamboanga City for documentation for filing of a case. Ella Dionisio/DMS