Two brothers have been arrested by Philippine authorities after they were found to be in possession of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flags in Baggao town in Cagayan province.
The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the suspected ISIS supporters as brothers Altero and Greg Cariaga in a media briefing today. They were arrested on March 28, Thursday and are reportedly part of the Northern Jihadist Group from Baggao.
Apart from the flags, authorities from the CIDG, Police Regional Office 2, and the Philippine army also allegedly recovered four different firearms and two improvised explosive devices after serving the two suspects search warrants issued by the Baggao Municipal Trial Court.
PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde said the brothers also had subversive documents. “Apparently, it’s like they’re pledging support to the ISIS,” he said in English and Filipino.
Albayalde also said that this is the first time suspected ISIS movements were discovered in the area. Most groups found to be supporting ISIS are based in the southern island of Mindanao. However, Albayalde said that this should not be a cause for concern yet.
He said the group has not committed any atrocities and that he thinks this is just a way for the group to make noise and make themselves known.
Albayalde said that the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are currently monitoring all parts of the country to see if there are any other similar groups.
