Suspect in foiled NAIA3 bombing arrested in airport

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested on Wednesday, September 3, lawyer Ely Pamatong who is suspected to be behind a foiled car bomb plot at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3).

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Pamatong was nabbed by NBI agents based on an October 2013 warrant of arrest. 

NBI Director Virgilio Mendez said the 2013 warrant of arrest was issued by Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 33 Judge Joel Socrates Lopena in October last year, for malicious mischief in connection with the 2004 “spike attack” along EDSA that his group had perpetrated.

Pamatong also has standing warrants of arrest for inciting to sedition, and for illegal possession of firearms in Laguna, Mendez said.

Mendez said Pamatong was arrested at the NAIA Terminal 2, upon his arrival from Cagayan de Oro City on-board PAL Express flight 2P 2526 at 5:40 pm on Wednesday.

The NBI chief said Pamatong will be brought to the NBI headquarters for proper processing and detention. 

Mendez said Pamatong will be asked about the botched plan of the anti-China group “USAFFE” to launch attacks not only at the NAIA3 parking lot, but also at the SM Mall of Asia, the Chinese embassy and the DMCI building in Makati City.  – Rappler.com