MANILA -- A labor leader was arrested by after authorities allegedly found an illegal firearm and bomb components in his possession, police said Sunday.

Juan Alexander Reyes, leader of the Sandigang Manggagawa sa Quezon City, is now in the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Metro Manila.

Authorities said they used a search warrant for a murder case against Reyes in Agusan del Sur. Operatives then found a firearm and bomb components in his possession.

But activist Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of the group Karapatan, said the firearms supposedly found in Reyes's possession was just planted.

"Basta na lang, magically, a warrant of arrest comes out and magically again, some persons, especially activists are being charged especially with illegal possession of firearms and explosive,” added Palabay, who said she knew Reyes since their student movement days.

She said they have information that Reyes was arrested yesterday while he was on his way to a meeting with his group members.

“May isa siyang kasama. Dalawa silang kinuha tapos nilagay sa isang van. Tapos a few minutes, pinalabas 'yung isa niyang kasama,” she claimed.