Suspected Bomb Maker Arrested in Cotabato City
COTABATO CITY — Authorities have arrested a suspected bomb maker and alleged extortionist believed to be linked to Islamic State-affiliated local terror groups. The National Bureau of Investigation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM) revealed the arrest on Thursday.
NBI Regional Director Jonathan Balite identified the suspect as 35-year-old Lutre Aman Bangcailat from Pikit town, Cotabato province. Bangcailat is reportedly a member of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) Hassan Group, which operates in Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces.
Details of the Suspect’s Capture and Charges
Though originally from Barangay Buliok in Pikit, Bangcailat was hiding in a safehouse in Cotabato City at the time of his arrest. He surrendered without resistance around 11 a.m. in Barangay Rosary Heights XI.
The suspect faces multiple warrants of arrest, including charges for extortion, arson, and murder. The warrant for destructive arson was issued by Judge Alandrex Betoya of RTC Branch 16 in Kabacan town. Meanwhile, Judge Jose Tabosares of RTC Branch 23 in Kidapawan City issued warrants for murder and multiple frustrated murders. Courts have set no bail for Bangcailat, denying his temporary release.
Collaborative Efforts Lead to Arrest
The operation was a coordinated effort among NBI-BARMM agents, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Bangsamoro police, Mindanao Area Police Intelligence Office, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Director Balite emphasized the significance of inter-agency collaboration, stating, “(The arrest) was a product of close coordination and collaboration of law enforcement agencies.”
Links to Past Terrorist Incidents
Bangcailat was a close aide to Salahuddin Hassan, leader of the DI Hassan Group, who was killed in a military operation several years ago. Authorities revealed that Bangcailat was involved in the bombing of a Yellow Bus Lines vehicle in Tulunan town in January 2021, an attack that killed a roadside fruit vendor.
He was also implicated in the burning of another Yellow Bus Lines bus in Tulunan in June 2021, which resulted in the death of two passengers. Local officials noted these incidents as part of the suspect’s violent activities within the region.
For more news and updates on suspected bomb maker arrest in Cotabato City, visit Filipinokami.com.