Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 22) – The alleged mastermind of separate bus bombing and burning incidents in North Cotabato this year was arrested, the military said.
Security forces captured Ali Akbar in Barangay East Patadon, Kidapawan City on Monday, the Joint Task Force Central said.
According to Brigadier General Roberto Capulong, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, Akbar is a bomb and improvised explosive device expert and an extortionist belonging to the Dawlah Islamiya-Hassan Group.
Akbar is believed to be responsible for the Yellow Bus Line unit explosion on January 27 in Tulunan town. The incident claimed the life of a 53-year-old fruit vendor and injured at least two people.
In March, the Philippine National Police filed criminal charges against eight other suspects linked to the bombing.
Akbar is also allegedly behind the June 3 burning of another YBL bus in M’Lang town, which resulted in the death of three passengers trapped inside.
“Akbar was nabbed based on the warrant of arrest issued by Branch 23, Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region for double murder and multiple frustrated murder,” Capulong said.
He added they recovered two IEDs, a blasting cap, several IED components, and an ISIS flag from Akbar.
CNN Philippines is trying to get a statement from the suspect or his lawyer.
