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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP: No imminent threat in GenSan after arrest of 2018 bomb suspect; counter-terror measures tightened

PNP: No imminent threat in GenSan after arrest of 2018 bomb suspect; counter-terror measures tightened

Published Feb 27, 2026 02:18 pm
(Courtesy of Philippine National Police)
(Courtesy of Philippine National Police)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday, Feb. 27, that it has intensified its counter-terrorism measures following the arrest of an alleged member of a local terror group linked to the 2018 bombing in General Santos City.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the apprehension of the suspect at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 last Wednesday, Feb. 25, showed that authorities remain on guard.
Authorities identified the suspect as an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maguid Group, who was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation in a coordinated operation with the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Intelligence Group.
“Our assessment indicates no imminent threat in General Santos City. However, hindi tayo nagiging kampante. Continuous ang monitoring at intelligence operations natin,” Nartatez said.
The arrest was carried out on the strength of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 23 in General Santos City for multiple counts of frustrated murder.
The suspect was tagged in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in 2018 that targeted a commercial area in General Santos City where eight civilians were injured, including a three-year-old child.
“The capture of the suspect at our nation’s gateway proves that there is no hiding from the law. This arrest is a major step in giving justice to the victims of the 2018 GenSan bombing,” Nartatez said.
The bombing in 2018 was among a string of attacks in Mindanao that authorities linked to Dawlah Islamiyah factions.
The Maguid Group had been blamed for using IEDs in urban centers in the region. Several of its members were killed or arrested in follow-up operations over the years while others remained at large.
Nartatez said the latest arrest does not mean the group has regained strength.
“What it shows is that law enforcement remains vigilant. Kung may natitirang elements, we are actively tracking them,” he noted.
The PNP chief said the operation was part of a broader effort to account for long-standing fugitives involved in terror cases.
“We have directed our units to enhance visibility patrols and intelligence coordination. Dagdag alertness lang ito, but the public can go about their normal activities without fear,” Nartatez said.
He added that security forces remain deployed in key areas and transport hubs to deter possible threats while authorities continue to track remaining suspects linked to past attacks.

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PNP General Santos City bomb suspect Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
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