REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Alleged International Terrorist Arrested In Sulu
Photo credit: CIDG
Myrna Ajilul Mabanza, a 32-year-old woman designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States Defense, was apprehended in Brgy Pasil, Indanan, Sulu on February 15, 2024.
The operation, carried out by various law enforcement agencies under the directive of CPNP PGEN Benjamin Acorda Jr, resulted in the execution of five arrest warrants.
Mabanza, also known as "Myrna Adijul Mabanza," faced charges under RA 10168 (Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012) and RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020). The arrest warrants were issued by Hon. Shaldilyn Bara Bangsaja, Presiding Judge of RTC 9th Judicial Region, Branch 33, Zamboanga City on December 20, 2023, with no bail recommended.
Formerly a resident and school teacher in Zamboanga City, Mabanza is the niece of the late Abdullah Ajilul, aka "Abu Termiji," and Amilhamja Ajilul, both Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leaders known for bombings, kidnappings, and shooting incidents in Basilan and Zamboanga City.
Mabanza's association with ISIL and Al-Qaida led to her designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Defense, alongside ISIL founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and IS-Philippines Emir Isnilon Hapilon. She was also declared a Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Mabanza facilitated the travel, accompanied, and assisted representatives from the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) in purchasing high-powered firearms in 2016, solidifying her involvement in terrorism financing.
PMGen Romeo M Caramat Jr, Director of the CIDG and Task Force Sanglahi Bravo Commander, emphasized the commitment to counter-terrorism. Mabanza will be transported to Zamboanga City for temporary detention at the CIDG Zamboanga City Filed Unit Custodial Facility.
The Anti-Terrorism Council, chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, praised the arrest, highlighting Mabanza's inclusion in the United Nations Security Council ISIL and al-Qaeda Sanctions List. The arrest aligns with the Philippines' whole-of-nation campaign against terrorism and contributes to efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force's Grey List.
The operation, carried out by various law enforcement agencies under the directive of CPNP PGEN Benjamin Acorda Jr, resulted in the execution of five arrest warrants.
Mabanza, also known as "Myrna Adijul Mabanza," faced charges under RA 10168 (Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012) and RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020). The arrest warrants were issued by Hon. Shaldilyn Bara Bangsaja, Presiding Judge of RTC 9th Judicial Region, Branch 33, Zamboanga City on December 20, 2023, with no bail recommended.
Formerly a resident and school teacher in Zamboanga City, Mabanza is the niece of the late Abdullah Ajilul, aka "Abu Termiji," and Amilhamja Ajilul, both Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leaders known for bombings, kidnappings, and shooting incidents in Basilan and Zamboanga City.
Mabanza's association with ISIL and Al-Qaida led to her designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Defense, alongside ISIL founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and IS-Philippines Emir Isnilon Hapilon. She was also declared a Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Mabanza facilitated the travel, accompanied, and assisted representatives from the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) in purchasing high-powered firearms in 2016, solidifying her involvement in terrorism financing.
PMGen Romeo M Caramat Jr, Director of the CIDG and Task Force Sanglahi Bravo Commander, emphasized the commitment to counter-terrorism. Mabanza will be transported to Zamboanga City for temporary detention at the CIDG Zamboanga City Filed Unit Custodial Facility.
The Anti-Terrorism Council, chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, praised the arrest, highlighting Mabanza's inclusion in the United Nations Security Council ISIL and al-Qaeda Sanctions List. The arrest aligns with the Philippines' whole-of-nation campaign against terrorism and contributes to efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force's Grey List.
Feb 15, 2024
