6 terror suspects transferred to Bicutan jail

MANILA, Philippines - Six of eight suspected terrorists linked to attacks in Central Mindanao were transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa’s jail facility in Bicutan, Taguig City Tuesday.

Ismael Manalasal, Ibrahin Sabila, Allan Hadjigani, Kadafi Saligan, Maguid Bowai and Wasser Kalonso were moved from the Cotabato provincial jail to preempt a reported plan to bust them out, officials said yesterday.

The six are facing charges ranging from multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and arson over their reported involvement in a series of attacks in Central Mindanao since last year.

They were among eight suspected members of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) linked to the bombing in North Cotabato.

Aside from his involvement in the Central Mindanao bombings, Manalasal was also tagged as a top lieutenant of MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato.

Manalasal was identified as an MILF commander who led an attack on several villages in Aleosan in August last year. He was arrested last April.

“There are still two left in the Cotabato provincial jail, but they will also be transferred,” said Senior Inspector Orlando Panzo, Aleosan police chief. Panzo headed the police and military security contingent who escorted the six to Manila.

Last month, four suspected bombers were also moved to a more secure jail facility in Bicutan from the Cotabato provincial jail.