AFP foils Maute Group attack in CDO with arrest of 2 terror sympathizers

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced it has foiled a possible bombing attack by Maute Group terrorists in Cagayan De Oro City with the arrest of two perpetrators and recovery of several explosive-making materials Wednesday.AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that among those arrested was Monaliza Solaiman Romato, also known as Monay , niece and reportedly the replacement of Maute matriarch and finance head Ominta Farhana Romato Maute who was arrested last month.Romato was arrested with Tahera Taher during the 4:30 a.m. operations in a house along Aluba, Barangay Macasandig.Seized from the house were four M-203 rifle grenades, a blasting cap, 9-volt battery, a piece of C4 explosive, detonating cords, 19 piece of 100-watt incandescent bulbs, a jungle knife, and suspected ammonium nitrate.Padilla said the successful arrest of the two and recovery of explosive items prevented a Maute Group inspired bombing attack in Cagayan De Oro and other nearby areas.Romato's arrest came almost a month after Mohammad Noaim Maute alias Abu Jadid, an alleged bomber of the Maute group, was apprehended in Cagayan De Oro last June 15.No explosives were found in the suspect's location and investigations later learned that Maute Group members often store their explosives in locations where their womenfolks are staying.