MALACAÑANG appealed to the public to remain vigilant, following the arrest of Superintendent Maria Christina Nobleza, a police official allegedly in a relationship with a member of Abu Sayyaf group.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Nobleza's arrest highlights importance to become vigilant, in a bid to sustain government's efforts to achieve peace and order in the country.
"The arrest of PSupt. Maria Cristina Brugada Nobleza, who was assigned at the PNP (Philippine National Police) Crime Lab of [Regional Office] 11 underlines the need for vigilance in rhe campaign for peace within our borders," Abella said in a statement.
The female police officer has been detained in Bohol and was transferred to Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday, April 25, after authorities learned that she has links to the Abu Sayyaf bandits.
Nobleza, along with her supposed lover suspected bomb maker Reenor Lou Dungon, was arrested Saturday after allegedly trying to rescue the remaining Abu Sayyaf members in a firefight with government troops in Clarin town, Bohol.
Dungon, alias Kudre, is a relative of late Abu Sayyaf leader and founder Abdurajik Abubakar Janjalani and a brother-in-law of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Solaiman.
Intelligence reports said Nobleza and Dungon were aboard a black Nissan Navarra vehicle when they tried to drive past a military checkpoint in Barangay Bacani, Clarin.
The President's spokesman said PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa is now facilitating Nobleza's transfer to Camp Crame since she is being considered as "high-risk detainee."
Abella said Nobleza's arrest would not deter President Rodrigo Duterte in fighting terrorist groups that continue to serve as threats in the country.
He reiterated the Chief Executive's resolve to end "lawless and gruesome acts of violence" performed by terrorists.
"The President is firm and decisive in the fight against terrorism. He has ordered government troops to carry out sustained, focused and intense operations to put an end to lawless and gruesome acts of violence," Abella said. (VoxPop Philippines)
