Elite Forces Capture Bombmaker in Sultan Kudarat Operation

Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

In a strategic operation, elite policemen from the Special Action Force (SAF) detained JB Mastura, also known as Abu Naim, a suspected bombmaker for the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. The arrest occurred after intelligence confirmed Mastura's presence in Barangay Ligao around 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Mastura, ranked ninth on the most wanted list for the 4th quarter of this year, was apprehended following a five-hour operation that concluded at 4 a.m. the following day.

Mastura is identified by the police and military intelligence as a skilled maker of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for the DI-Hassan Group. Using warrants for charges including multiple murders and violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act, SAF commandos secured Mastura's capture. A homemade explosive device was also confiscated at the scene, reflecting the operation's effectiveness.

“This wanted person was arrested after a five-hour operation that started on Tuesday night. I commend our SAF personnel for their hard work and dedication to account for this person who was confirmed to be an IED-making expert,” stated Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., the acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP). He emphasized the operation's significance, noting that each captured terrorist improves national safety.

As the PNP continues to deploy efforts to ensure public safety, Nartatez reassured citizens of the intensifying collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies. This concerted effort aims at dismantling significant threat groups, especially in Mindanao, marking a vital step towards neutralizing high-value targets.

Looking ahead, the focus remains on sustaining momentum in the campaign against terrorism. Further operations are expected to build on this success, maintaining pressure on groups that jeopardize peace and security. Continuous coordination between the PNP, AFP, and other agencies is pivotal in this enduring mission to protect the nation from high-risk threats.

Key Takeaways

• SAF arrested bombmaker JB Mastura after a five-hour operation.
• The capture involved coordinated efforts with multiple warrants issued.
• Enhanced collaboration among law enforcement aims to tackle high-value threats.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-10-29