ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – A former barangay chairman suspected to be a member of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was arrested in an operation in Marantao, Lanao del Sur Tuesday, August 16.

Two other men were arrested and various war materiel was seized in the operation, Police Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said.

Verceles said the suspects were collared around 3:45 a.m. in Barangay Palaw Rana-Ranao.

He identified the suspects as Mastura Disomala, former barangay chairman of Palaw Rana-Ranao and alleged ISIS member; Samen Mamasao, 23; and Moca Giambal, 25.

A search warrant was served against the suspects for violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

According to Verceles, one of Mastura’s elder brothers, Macaindig, is still an active ISIS member while Magaloyan, another elder brother, has surrendered.

Seized from the suspects were two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, an Ingram rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, and assorted ammunition.

The suspects were placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Lanao del Sur.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. lauded the units involved in the operation Wednesday, August 17.

“We laud our detectives from CIDG and operatives from the Marantao Police Station for a job well done. The armed suspects may pose threat to the communities, notwithstanding reports tagging them as local terrorists,” Azurin said in a statement.

He added that the arrest of the suspects is a major accomplishment in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

Azurin also assured relentless efforts to achieve peace and order through intensified operations against lawless elements.

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Police arrest ISIS member in Lanao del Sur

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