Four cops commended for arrest of “jihadist”

CEBU, Philippines - Four policemen from the Regional Intelligence Division – 7 received commendation for the successful arrest and subsequent deportation of an Australian “jihadist’ in Lapu-Lapu City in July.

Police Regional Office 7 chief Prudencio Tom Bañas awarded the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” to P/Senior Insp. Mark Gifter Sucalit, P/Insp. Sheryl Bautista, PO2 Mark Anthony Quijano and PO1 Mario Agustin, Jr.   RID-7, as a group, was also commended for its successful arrest of jihad advocate Edward “Musa” Cerantonio. The operation was conducted jointly with the Bureau of Immigration.

Jihad or literally known as “Islamic holy war” is a war fought by Muslims to defend their beliefs.

Cerantonio was believed to be a jihadist of an extremist group, Islamic State, which was earlier listed by the Abbott government as a terrorist organization.

BI issued a warrant of deportation against Cerantonio after the Australian federal government cancelled his passport.

Cerantonio was sent back to Australia last July 22 or 11 days after his arrest.

Last August 5, three RID-7 personnel were also awarded but with the PNP Medal of Efficiency or the ‘Medalya ng Kasanayan’ for their successful implementation of the Integrated Research Information System.  (FREEMAN)