This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
On July 2, 2019, Philippine authorities apprehended Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a Kenyan aviation student, at Rasca Hotel in Iba, Zambales, for allegedly possessing bomb-making materials.
According to Major General Amador Corpuz, Director of the Criminal Investigations and Detection Group (CIDG), Abdullah was found with a 9-mm pistol, rounds of ammunition, an improvised explosive device, and a hand grenade.
Abdullah, who joined Al Qaeda in 2012, has been actively involved in the terror organization's operations in the region, authorities claimed.
"He pledged allegiance to the Al-Qaeda group since 2012 and he has been wanted for a long time," General Amador said, explaining the reason behind the arrest.
Abdullah, a student at the All Asia Aviation Academy in the Philippines since 2017, allegedly showed interest in aircraft hijacking.
