MANILA, Philippines, April 28 (UPI) -- The Philippine National Police say they have foiled Abu Sayyaf Group terrorist attacks planned for May 1 Labor Day celebrations.
PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group officers raided a bungalow in Marikina City and seized improvised bombs, grenades, blasting caps and other materials. The police officials said that high-level Abu Sayyaf guerrillas rented the building, which had been under surveillance for a month.
The Manila Times reported on April 28 that the house at 21 Champagne Street, SSS Village, Marikina City, was unoccupied at the time of the raid and no arrests were made.
CIDG National Capital Region chief Senior Supt. Asher Dolina said that the Abu Sayyaf Group cell consisted of Victor Zimenes, alias Olama; Jojo Janjalani; Neri Villacastin; Ismael Yusof; and Datu Ismael Usop, alias Alex. Charges of illegal possession of explosives and firearms will be filed against the men.
Neighbors had been suspicious of the bungalow's inhabitants, telling police that while the house was mostly quiet during daytime, but there was unusual activity during the night. Neighbors thought that the owners of the house were manufacturing pirated compact disks.
