Suspected MILF leader detained

The Quezon City police picked up last week a suspected leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front believed to be linked to the Oct. 18 explosion inside a Golden Hi-way passenger bus in Balintawak, Quezon City that killed two people and wounded at least 19 others.

Philippine National Police (PNP) sources said the suspect was being questioned in connection with the Oct. 18 explosion which happened on the heels of the Zamboanga City blasts.

"We are still looking into the affiliation of the individual with certain groups," the sources said.

The sources said the individual, whose identities the police refused to divulge, was picked up last Wednesday reportedly in a Muslim community in Metro Manila.

Police sources did not want to identify the suspect so as not to jeopardize follow-up operations and intensive questioning by key PNP units investigating the series of attacks in Metro Manila and southern Philippines.

Sources said police were planning to file illegal possession of firearms against the suspect.