[UPDATED] ‘Abu Sayyaf man tried to enter Manila with illegal M’sian passport’

KUALA LUMPUR – The suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member who was arrested after attempting to enter Manila with a Malaysian passport last Tuesday could have obtained it through fraudulent means, according to Philippines authorities.

According to the Philippines’ English daily SunStar, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente said that the suspect, 52-year-old Omar bin Harun, could have possibly held an assumed identity when he was arrested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on May 10.

“While his passport seems to be genuine, we believe he might have procured it through illegal means or by misrepresentation.”

In response to the arrest, Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) principal assistant director DCP Normah Ishak told The Vibes that the investigation is being carried out by the Philippine authorities.

She added that the Malaysian police will continue to communicate with their Philippine counterpart “as and when” relevant matters arise in their investigations.

The Philippine authorities said Omar is identified as Airola @ Satar and is listed in the Terrorism Screening Centre of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The standing warrant of arrest against him was issued by judge Toribio Ilao Jr of Pasig City regional trial court branch 266 on November 5, 2009, for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.

He was also reported to serve under ASG commander Radullan Sahiron who operated largely in southern Philippines.

The SunStar also quoted BI NAIA Anti Terror Group chief Bienvenido Castillo III as saying that they have received information on Airola’s arrival and had coordinated with other law enforcement agencies for his arrest.

“Omar (Airola) was also said to have links with the terrorist group Isis.”

However, according to a report by Malaysian daily The Star, regional security sources were quoted as saying that Omar had obtained a Malaysian birth certificate and was granted citizenship in 2008.

He also told investigators that he first entered Malaysia in 1983 through Sandakan, Sabah.

It was also reported that Airola had a Malaysian wife living in Pandan Selangor and an ex-wife in Dubai.

He was reported to have travelled to Dubai and the Philippines using a Malaysian passport.

Attempts have been made by The Vibes to seek clarification from Bukit Aman Special Branch. – The Vibes, May 19, 2022