Another suspect in the Sept. 2 Davao City bombing surrendered to authorities in Cotabato Thursday morning, a Philippine Army official said.
Army Spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said the suspect was identified as Jerico Javier De Roma, 25, a member of Dawlah Islamiyah Fi Lanao Cotabato Chapter (Maute Group). He surrendered to authorities around 5:30 a.m.
De Roma was the driver of the group responsible for the blast that killed 15 persons and wounded 70 others.
Hao said the suspect voluntarily surrendered due to increasing police and military pressure.
With De Roma’s surrender, authorities now have custody of eight suspects involved in blast.
Authorities earlier arrested in Cotabato City last Oct. 29 the four members of Maute Group identified as Mohammad Lalaog Chenikandiyil alias Datu Boi, Jackson Mangulamas Usi alias Abu Mansor, Zack Villanueva Lopez alias Haron and Ansan Abdulla Mamasapano alias Hamsa.
Authorities also defused an improvised explosive device (IED) found in the residence Chenikandiyil in Barangay Rosary Heights 7 in Cotabato City.
Chenikandiyil and the other three suspects were all arrested by the military and police in operations conducted in Ilang-Ilang St., Tamontaka, Cotabato City.
Recovered from Chenikandiyil and his group were assorted firearms and ammunition, a hand grenade and two IEDs made out of 60mm mortar and 105mm howitzer mortar.
The arrest was carried out based on the search warrants issued by Judge Bansawan Ibrahim of Regional Trial Court Branch 13.
Joint police and military operations last Oct. 4 resulted in the arrest of TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Factural, and Musaili Mustapha. (PNA)