Neutralization of three suspected terrorists not linked to ISIS leader death: PNP

November 6, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Wednesday said the foiled suicide bombing attack by three suspected terrorists in Sulu is not connected to the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. 

"Well, we don't see it connected to the death of the ISIS leader but we cannot remove the possibility that the supporters are planning (something) including the local group, Abu Sayyaf," said Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, the PNP spokesman,. said in an interview with reporters.

On Tuesday, two suspected foreign nationals and one Abu Sayyaf member were killed in an encounter with soldier in Indanan.

The military claimed the foreign nationals were relatives of the female suicide bomber last September 8.

"It's a good thing that we were able to stop their plans because part of the recovered items were suicide bombing vests," Banac said.

Banac said the PNP immediately responded to investigate the incident.

"We sent our Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) personnel to examine the identities (of the suspects)... they went to the hospital to check their remains," he said. 

The PNP said the neutralization of the suspects is due to their intensified security and law enforcement operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"We are sure this will affect their plans so we are appealing to the public especially those who are living in western part of Mindanao to remain vigilant, alert and inform our law enforcers if they notice any suspicious person in their area," said Banac. Ella Dionisio/DMS