Maute terrorist nabbed in Batangas

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — An alleged member of the Maute terrorist group has been arrested during a police operation in Batangas City. 

Jafar Dia Abdul Nazer, alias Muha Jr., Muhasjir and Diya, was collared at around 7 p.m. on Friday at his house in Barangay 24, according to Brig. Gen. Edward Carranza, chief of the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) police.

Nazer, a native of Lanao del Sur, had been operating a cell phone accessories shop at the Batangas City Public Market to hide his identity, according to Carranza.

The suspect’s arrest was based on a warrant issued by a local court for illegal possession of explosives and ammunition.

The suspect was reportedly keeping explosives and hand grenades in his house.

Authorities said Nazer was a follower of Abu Dar and Abu Zacaria, both leaders of the Maute terrorist group.

Reports also said Nazer is an intelligence officer of the Dawlah Islamiya group, a terrorist cell operating in Lanao del Sur. – With Emmanuel Tupas