TACLOBAN CITY – Multiple Frustrated Murder cases against Jake Anthony Macuto y Perez (also known as Yusuf Perez Macuto) and three John Does have been filed in the morning of February 22, 2017, with the Office of the Assistant Provincial Prosecutor in Hilongos, Leyte relative the explosion that occurred in the evening of December 28, 2016 in Hilongos town plaza.
(https://www.calbayogjournal.com/32-listed-wounded-victims-no-deaths-in-hilongos-leyte-blast)
Following identification that the explosive device used in the incident is of the same make with those used by the Maute group in Davao and Cotabato blastings and also in the thwarted blasting attempt in front of the US Embassy, SITG-Hilongos established that the main suspect, is a member of the Maute group. (https://www.calbayogjournal.com/task-group-hilongos-created)
Suspect Macuto, whose last known address is Barangay Concepcion, Hilongos, Leyte and known as a “balik-Islam” (Muslim Convert), with the three others are believed to have worked together, having been seen in the area few days prior and several hours before the explosion.
Intelligence reports confirm that the particular Maute group was funded by local drug syndicates to launch the December 28, 2016 bombing in revenge to the arrest of Raidah Ampaso Sarip in October 22, 2016 for illegal drugs trade and fabrication of counterfeit money. Sarip is a native of Marawi City who resided in Hindang, Leyte.
Earlier reports also tell that the Hilongos bombing is “also considered as a way for the Maute group to show that they are a force to reckon with aside from the purpose of getting the approval of the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) for affiliation and funding purposes.”
(https://www.calbayogjournal.com/32-listed-wounded-victims-no-deaths-in-hilongos-leyte-blast)
Following identification that the explosive device used in the incident is of the same make with those used by the Maute group in Davao and Cotabato blastings and also in the thwarted blasting attempt in front of the US Embassy, SITG-Hilongos established that the main suspect, is a member of the Maute group. (https://www.calbayogjournal.com/task-group-hilongos-created)
Suspect Macuto, whose last known address is Barangay Concepcion, Hilongos, Leyte and known as a “balik-Islam” (Muslim Convert), with the three others are believed to have worked together, having been seen in the area few days prior and several hours before the explosion.
Intelligence reports confirm that the particular Maute group was funded by local drug syndicates to launch the December 28, 2016 bombing in revenge to the arrest of Raidah Ampaso Sarip in October 22, 2016 for illegal drugs trade and fabrication of counterfeit money. Sarip is a native of Marawi City who resided in Hindang, Leyte.
Earlier reports also tell that the Hilongos bombing is “also considered as a way for the Maute group to show that they are a force to reckon with aside from the purpose of getting the approval of the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) for affiliation and funding purposes.”
In a statement, SITG-Hilongos Commander, P/Supt. Allan Cuevillas informed that the task group will still continue its investigation in order to identify the three other suspects believed to have participated in the December 28, 2016 bombing that disturbed the fiesta celebration in Hilongos town plaza.
In a press conference PNP Regional Director, P/CSupt. Elmer Beltejar informed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is material in the investigation and resolution of the Hilongos bombing.
“Undeniably, the help of the AFP, as part of the SITG-Hilongos, has contributed so much. AFP and PNP intelligence units have coordinated so well to be able to pinpoint the suspects led by Makuto. For which reason, we were able to file the case of Multiple Frustrated Murder against these perpetrators,” Beltejar said.
In a press conference PNP Regional Director, P/CSupt. Elmer Beltejar informed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is material in the investigation and resolution of the Hilongos bombing.
“Undeniably, the help of the AFP, as part of the SITG-Hilongos, has contributed so much. AFP and PNP intelligence units have coordinated so well to be able to pinpoint the suspects led by Makuto. For which reason, we were able to file the case of Multiple Frustrated Murder against these perpetrators,” Beltejar said.
The Eastern Visayas PNP top cop is positive that there is no reason to be scared of muslim atrocities in the region even with the presence of muslim communities in Samar and Leyte on account that most of these muslims are traders who occupy a minimal portion of the region’s population.
“There are no threats of bombing anywhere else in the region, although we do not discount the possibility. Because of what happened in Hilongos, it can also happen anywhere here in region 8. So far, there is no intelligence report yet that exactly pinpoints about any plan of bombing by any group. However, for preventive measures, we have adopted contingency plans in preparation for any eventuality,” Beltejar stressed. (CJ/JMM)
“There are no threats of bombing anywhere else in the region, although we do not discount the possibility. Because of what happened in Hilongos, it can also happen anywhere here in region 8. So far, there is no intelligence report yet that exactly pinpoints about any plan of bombing by any group. However, for preventive measures, we have adopted contingency plans in preparation for any eventuality,” Beltejar stressed. (CJ/JMM)
