3 Abu bomb experts nabbed in Zamboanga
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government security forces have thwarted possible bomb attacks with the arrest of three suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb experts in this city, officials said yesterday.
One of those arrested, identified as Omar Askali, alias Ayub, is said to be a follower of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama, according to Col. Leonel Nicolas, chief of Joint Task Force Zamboanga (JTFZ).
Askali was arrested by a joint team of the police and military on Gov. Lim Avenue at around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.
The suspect yielded a gre- nade, a mobile phone and two identification cards, Nicolas said.
Follow-up operation conducted by the same team resulted in the arrest of Mukaram Sapie, alias Mukram, and a certain Shayif, in Barangay Taluksangay.
The two suspects were allegedly on a mission to carry out bomb attacks on orders of Indama.
“Intelligence reports showed the group would bomb public places in the city three days from now,” Nicolas said, adding Askali is one of Indama’s most trusted men.
Nicolas said they are tracking down two improvised explosive devices set to be planted in the city, based on information provided by Askali.
Police and the military have stepped up security in the city in preparation for the month-long celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival starting Oct. 1.
Cotabato bomb plot foiled
Meanwhile, authorities prevented another attempt to bomb selected targets in North Cotabato with the arrest of an alleged leader of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Midsayap town yesterday.
Muslimin Ladtugan, alias Commander Mus, was placed under the joint custody of the police and military, according to local officials.
Ladtugan was arrested at his hideout in Barangay Nabalawag at around 8 a.m. by police and military troopers.
Reports said the team recovered from the suspects two rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade, two .45 caliber pistols and bomb paraphernalia.
Residents tipped off the Army’s 34th Infanty Battalion about Ladtugan’s hideout, according to Lt. Col. Gerry Besana of the Army’s 6th CivilMilitary Operations Battalion.
The military also received reports that Ladtugan’s group has been planning to avenge the death of 27 BIFF men killed in encounters with Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.