Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Suspected bomber Mohammad “Modie” Jumao-as probably never thought his use of Facebook would lead to his arrest. But the activities of Jumao-as on social media were what gave police leads that helped them track him down.
National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde and Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Senior Supt. Joel Coronel on Wednesday presented Jumao-as — the third suspect arrested in the foiled bombing on Roxas Boulevard near the U.S. Embassy on November 28.
There’s an ongoing manhunt for two other suspects in the bombing plot.
Coronel said Jumao-as, an X-ray technician, was arrested in Bulacan on December 3 when he went to the hospital where he was employed. He was there to collect his belongings after going in hiding.
The chief of MPD revealed Jumao-as’ posts on his social media account led to his arrest as a “person of interest.”
“Part of the investigation process we made is checking with social media. We know they are using Facebook and other platforms to disseminate their information. We are fortunate that he is registered as a user. That’s why we can verify his status and activities,” Coronel said.
He clarified they did not only base the arrest on his Facebook account; they also checked with their informants on the field.
The police said the suspect’s posts prove he has links to a terror group.
“Based on the investigation, we were able to establish his connection with (terror group) Al-Khilafa in the Philippines,” he said.
The two other suspects are at large — one is believed to have returned to Mindanao while the other is believed to be in Metro Manila or nearby provinces.
Police arrested two suspects earlier last week — Jiaher Guinar, a businessman, and Rayson Kilala alias Rashid, an imam in a mosque in Bulacan.
