The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its counterterrorism measures following the arrest of an alleged member of a local terror group linked to the 2018 bombing in General Santos City.

The suspect, a 37-year-old Filipino allegedly associated with a Dawlah Islamiyah-affiliated group, arrived on a flight from Los Angeles, California, and was apprehended by a joint team composed of the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), Intelligence Group (IG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He was arrested upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on 25 February.

The arrest was carried out on the strength of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court of General Santos City, Branch 23, for multiple counts of frustrated murder. The suspect was tagged in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack that targeted a commercial area in General Santos City nearly eight years ago, injuring eight civilians, including a three-year-old child.

“The capture of the suspect at our nation’s gateway proves that there is no hiding from the law. This arrest is a major step in giving justice to the victims of the 2018 GenSan bombing,” PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said.

Nartatez clarified that the arrest does not automatically indicate that the local terror group remains strong or active.

“What it shows is that law enforcement remains vigilant. Kung may natitirang elements, we are actively tracking them,” he noted.

He emphasized that while the arrest is significant, it forms part of a broader strategy to pursue long-standing fugitives.

“Our assessment indicates no imminent threat in General Santos City. However, hindi tayo nagiging kampante. Continuous ang monitoring and intelligence operations,” Nartatez said.

He added that the move aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure public safety and prevent the resurgence of terror activities.

“We have directed our units to enhance visibility patrols and intelligence coordination. Dagdag alertness lang ito, but the public can go about their normal activities without fear,” he said.

“This accomplishment highlights the strength of our collaboration with both local and international partners. Ang ating misyon ay panatilihin ang kaligtasan ng publiko sa pamamagitan ng mabilis, maayos, at disiplinadong aksyon, habang nirerespeto ang due process at human rights,” Nartatez added.

Following protocol, the suspect was turned over to the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation for proper disposition and further legal proceedings.