(Eagle News) — A man who authorities said could be linked to the blast in Basilan that killed at least 11 has been arrested.
The man was identified as Indalin Jainul.
Although a fragmentation grenade was seized from Jainul, authorities have said they have yet to find evidence directly linking him to the incident in Lamitan on Tuesday, July 31.
Authorities said, however, that based on reports, Jainul supported and helped the Abu Sayyaf, a kidnap-for-ransom group.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Edgar Arevalo said that prior to the blast, they received reports the Abu Sayyaf would deploy an improvised explosive device in the area.
An international terrorist group, the Islamic State, said it was responsible for the blast, but Philippine authorities have said this was not yet verified.