Interpol turns over terror suspect to Phl

MANILA, Philippines - The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) escorted a suspected terrorist from Kuwait, where he was in hiding, and turned him over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday.

Luis Prudente Mercado, 37, an alleged member of the Balik Islam movement, was placed under arrest for murder in Infanta, Quezon province. Members of the movement, believed to be responsible for terrorist activities, are converts to Islam.

Mercado was handcuffed upon disembarking from plane. Chief Inspector Jonathan Galang said Mercado had been under surveillance for a month and tagged as a suspected terrorist by the Interpol.

Mercado left for Saudi Arabia on Jan. 5, 2011 as a contract worker and hid in Kuwait when his contract ended, authorities said.