PNP arrests ISIS supporters in Cagayan : PNP

April 1, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is the first time supporters of the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) were found in Northern Luzon after they recovered ISIS flags from two suspects in Cagayan Region last week.

“This is the first time outside area of Mindanao although we have in Metro Manila… but in area of responsibility of PRO2 (Provincial Regional Office 2) it’s the first time,” Police General Oscar Albayalde said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

Last March 28, elements from police and military arrested two alleged members of the Northern Jihadist Group in Baggao, Cagayan during an implementation of search warrants.

The operation resulted to the arrest of brothers Altero and Greg Cariaga and confiscation of different firearms, improvised explosive devices and two ISIS flags.

“Apparently, it looks like they are pledging support to the ISIS,” said Albayalde.

He said they are still validating other local ISIS groups being monitored by the police and military.

“Actually not only in that region, in all the regions we have intelligence operatives including coming from the intelligence operatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines are being monitored because we are not only concentrated in Mindanao,” said Albayalde.

The head of the Philippine National Police ( PNP) said this is a cause for concern since the arrested suspects want to seek recognition from the terrorist group.

“So far they have not done any hostilities or atrocities in the area that’s why this is one of the preventive measures that we do together with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) that when we monitor something like that. We do preventive measures and police operations together with the AFP,” he said.

Police Major General Amador Corpus, director of the Criminal Investigation Detection Group ( CIDG) said the suspects who are from Baggao and want to establish a terror group.

Corpus said they are checking if this group is one of those who pledged alliance with ISIS.

“We have no confirmation yet if they are part of those who took allegiance,” he said.

The Syuful Khilafa Fi Luzon or Northern Jihadist Group is a terrorist and radical islamic propagation group established in Baggao, Cagayan in 2016. The group is influenced by the concept of an ISIS-inspired group in the country.

The arrested brothers were brought to CIDG- Regional Field Units 2 Office at Camp Adduru, Tuguegarao, Cagayan for proper disposition. Ella Dionisio/DMS