Consular execs visit Pinoy terror suspect in California

MANILA, Philippines - Consular officials were able to visit the 23-year-old Filipino immigrant being held in California for his alleged involvement in a terror plot that reportedly included targets in the Philippines.

Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. said the Philippine consulate general in Los Angeles had been given consular access to suspect Ralph Kenneth de Leon at a detention facility in San Bernardino County late Wednesday afternoon.

De Leon and three other suspects were arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Sunday and later charged in connection with an alleged plot to join the al-Qaeda and the Taliban and launch attacks against American targets in Afghanistan, Palestine and the Philippines.

“The embassy and the consulate general in Los Angeles are working closely with American authorities to get more information about the reported terrorist plot and to ensure that the rights of Mr. De Leon, a Philippine national, are protected,” Cuisia said.

Consul General Hellen Barber-De la Vega confirmed that De Leon, who migrated to the United States in 2003, is still a Philippine citizen and the holder of a valid Philippine passport.

De la Vega said Consul Charmaine Serna-Chua went to the San Bernardino Sheriff Central Detention Center and was able to check De Leon’s physical condition. She said De Leon appeared well despite being held in solitary confinement. Consul Chua was also able to talk by phone to De Leon’s father and court-appointed lawyer.