Ansar al-Khalifa sibling-suspects in Saranggani charged

November 4, 2017 - 10:19 AM
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A soldier walks past pro-ISIS graffiti in Marawi. Authorities seized a black ISIS flag from two siblings tagged key players in the local chapter of the Ansar al-Khalifa terror group. They have been charged following their arrest in Saranggani province. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

MANILA – Siblings Faroon and Alhotaibby Lumatao have been charged with violation of Republic Act 9156 or possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and RA 9165 (the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), two days after their arrest
in Maasim, Saranggani province on the basis of a court warrant.

According to Director Gil Castro of the Region 12 office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration (PDEA), the siblings are key players in the local terror group Ansar al-Khilafa.

The terror ring is in turn tagged the protector of the El Patron drug group and is a supporter of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Besides the 40 grams of shabu, guns and explosives, authorities recovered a black ISIS flag from the terror siblings upon their arrest.

The suspects declined media interviews.

In October, PDEA’s Region 12 office arrested Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez after illegal drugs were allegedly taken from his home.

The mayor was also tagged leader of the El Patron drug group.