GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Police intelligence operatives arrested on Thursday, Sept. 1, a suspected member of the Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist group tagged in the ambush-slay of two policemen in Polomolok, South Cotabato in 2020.
Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 director, identified the suspect as Prince Jay Galib Esmael, 21.
Esmael was arrested by in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato.
The suspect yielded a fragmentation grenade concealed in a sling bag.
Authorities said Esmael was allegedly involved in the ambush-slay of Patrolman Bryan Costello and Corporal Witzel Russ Betantos, both assigned to the Polomolok police station, while patrolling Barangay Koronadal Proper on April 29, 2020.
Esmael is facing murder charges before the Regional Trial Court in Polomolok.