Maute-Daesh sub-leader apprehended, recovered firearm and explosive

A certain Abdul Nasser Lomondot, sub-leader of Maute-Daesh 
apprehended at Recto Avenue, Manila 5:10pm yesterday. 

      Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (March 4, 2018) – In coordination with the Joint Task Force “ZamPeLan”, members of the Philippine National Police in Metro Manila apprehended a certain Abdul Nasser Lomondot at Recto Avenue, Manila March 3, 2018 5:10 pm.

        First Infantry (Tabak) Division Public Affairs Officer Major Ronald E Suscano said that during the said law enforcement operation, recovered in the possession of Lomondot upon arrest were the calibre .45 pistol and hand grenade.

 Maj, Sucano said Lomondot is a Maute Group sub-leader who took part in the Marawi rebellion during which he participated in the killing of innocent Christian civilians and committed violence  against female and child hostages.  He was one of the key planners in the attack of Marantao, Lanao del Sur during the Marawi rebellion.  He underwent combat training in Butig, Lanao del Sur along with other Daesh members.

Since the death last year of Isnilon Hapilon, the established Amir of Maute-Deash in Southeast Asia region,  the remnants of the group were scattered into small groups and went into hiding at selected areas of Lanao del Sur.  They were also monitored recruiting and conducting trainings particularly in the boundaries of Lanao and Maguindanao areas where they enjoy a certain level of civilian support.

Earlier this year, an encounter happened in Masiu, Lanao del Sur between the government troops and some elements of the Maute group.  Their other members responsible in the killings of civilian vendors at Piagapo, Lanao del Sur were also apprehended.

Major General Roseller G Murillo AFP, 1ID Commander said, “our recent successes and apprehensions have been yielding valuable information that allows authorities to further hunt down the remnants of the group.  More so, these successes clearly indicate their dwindling organizational leadership and capabilities.”

“The government forces will continue to intensify its internal security operations in Joint Task Force “ZAMPELAN’s” area of operations to neutralize the remnants of terrorist groups in Lanao del Sur”, he added.

At present, Lomondot was brought to Philippine National Police-Manila Police District at UN Avenue, Manila for processing and filing of appropriate cases.
(By Jong Cadion with DPAO PR)