MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The INTERPOL National Central Bureau Secretariat marked one of the earliest accomplishments of the Human Security Act of 2007 when it helped the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) bring back MR. RUBEN PESTANO LAVILLA JR on August 30, 2008.

Lavilla, a Filipino national, is an alleged member of the Raja Solaiman Movement. He was included in the UN Security Council Terrorism Financing List (No: SCA/2/08(11) and subject to UN Sanctions for Terrorism Related Crime under UN Notification Control Number U-2008/22165. In the Philippines, he is also wanted for charges of Multiple Murder, Multiple Frustrated Murder and Rebellion before the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch XIII, Cotabato City.

INTERPOL Manila asked IP-Bahrain to monitor Lavilla’s movements, recognizing the possibility that he might cross into other countries and find potential sympathizers abroad.

Following Lavilla’s attempt to borrow funds from Bahrain’s Central Bank, INTERPOL Bahrain, together with their local police authorities, conducted criminal and background checks on him, and consequently arrested him on July 24, 2008. INTERPOL Bahrain immediately informed INTERPOL Manila and requested for Lavilla’s extradition.

Since the Philippines has no existing Extradition Treaty with Bahrain, the INTERPOL NCB Manila Secretariat, proposed Lavilla’s deportation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) favored the suggestion and advised the Secretary of Foreign Affairs on the legality of revoking Lavilla’s Philippine Passport even without a Court Order.

On August 30, 2008, Lavilla was escorted back to the country by officials from the Bureau of Immigration, National Intelligence Coordinating Council (NICA) and PCTC. He is now detained at the PNP-Intelligence Group awaiting judicial procedures on his local cases.