Philippines and Malaysian officials have confirmed the arrest of a Malaysian national during a raid on a house frequented by former militant leader Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City.Police said the Malaysian man, Koh Wui Chick, who uses the aliases Samson Jose Konde and Atchong, was brought to Manila where he is currently being investigated in connection to the deadly September attacks in Zamboanga. Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca said, “The Malaysian man is now in the custody of the Philippine National Police in Manila and he is currently being investigated in connection to the MNLF attacks in Zamboanga."
President Benigno Aquino earlier ordered an investigation into the MNLF attacks in Zamboanga and who financed the militants to carry out the raid. There have been media reports that some Filipino politicians may have financed them to discredit the Aquino government and that several Malaysians had met with militant leaders prior to the attacks.
Early this year, a Malaysian national, who allegedly helped in negotiating with Abu Sayyaf militants for the release of 21 mostly European holidaymakers kidnapped in Sabah in 2001, was spotted in Zamboanga City and Manila at the height of the standoff between armed followers of the Sultanate of Sulu who invaded SabahÂ’s Lahad Datu town.
It was not known whether Koh directly participated in the simultaneous raid by militants on September 9, but it triggered deadly street battles that lasted for three weeks. The fighting left over 400 people dead and injred and resulted in a humanitarian crisis.
Malaysia has confirmed the arrest of one of its nationals. Director-General, Datuk Mohammad Mantek said,“The arrest of the Malaysian man followed the action taken by the Philippine security forces against individuals suspected of being involved in the armed attacks launched by MNLF fighter in Zamboanga City on September 9."
He did not give details about the arrested Malaysian national, saying the man is still being investigated. It was not immediately known whether the foreigner had funded militant attacks in Zamboanga City.