Suspected terrorist with Spanish passport arrested in Basilan

MAGUINDANAO --- Authorities have foiled an attempt by a foreigner with a Spanish passport to smuggle into Maluso town in Basilan materials for improvised explosive devices.In a statement Thursday, the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said Abdulhakim Adib was arrested on Monday, but was not immediately announced due to extensive identity validation processes.Adib was intercepted at past 11:00 p.m. Monday at Barangay Townsite in Maluso by combined personnel of the Army’s 14thSpecial Forces Company, the 66thInfantry Battalion and local members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit.The PRO-ARMM, whose main headquarters is in Parang town in Maguindanao province, said soldiers and militiamen recovered from Adib two fragmentation grenades and IED components.Also found in his bag were different identification cards and a Spanish passport.Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, director of PRO-ARMM, said in a text message Thursday that there is a possibility that Adib has links with the Islamic State inspired Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Basilan.There are several Abu Sayyaf factions in Basilan, the biggest of them led by Islamic militant Furudji Indama, who is wanted for more than a dozen criminal cases pending in local courts.