Bomb, firearms, shabu seized from alleged Roxas Night Market blast suspects

A bomb was among the items seized from the possessions of Talitay, Maguindanao Vice Mayor Abdulwahab Sabal when he, his wife and two security personnel were arrested at Awang Airport in Cotabato City, Thursday afternoon.

An improvised explosive device (IED) made from a 60mm mortar round, an m16 rifle, 2 pieces of caliber .45 pistols and 12 sachets of shabu (methamphetamine) were recovered from their possession, according to official police reports. 

Sabal and his group are being probed for their alleged participation on the deadly attack at Roxas Night Market in Davao City last week, according to Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II.

While the group's alleged involvement in the bombing is still being investigated, the government said they are ready to charge Sabal and his group for their criminal liabilities. 

According to reports, DOJ Secretary Aguirre said that the filing of criminal charges will be finalized by Tuesday next week. He also clarified that the charges are only for illegal possession of firearms, explosives and dangerous drugs as the investigation for the group's alleged involvement in the attack in Davao is still ongoing. 

Sabal is among the local executives implicated in President Duterte's narco list. 

Last week, President Duterte placed the country under state of national emergency following the blast citing imminent attacks from lawless groups across the country.

Philippine forces have been pounding on the Abu Sayyaf, a violent militant group in Sulu, in accordance to Duterte's orders. 

Duterte also warned of reprisals due to enhanced operations against the terror group.