Sayyaf man held at port, 2 others fall in raid

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An Abu Sayyaf bandit was arrested for failing to present any identification card upon arrival at a port while two others were collared in a raid in this city on Tuesday.

Coast Guard personnel at the Philippine Ports Authority wharf accosted Kimhar Asusi, alias Abu Kimar, 32, at around 6:05 p.m.

A “no ID, no entry” policy is being implemented at ports, seaports and airports to prevent any terrorist attack amid the siege in Marawi City.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, Joint Task Force Zamboanga commander, said Asusi, a resident of Barangay Bawisan, Parang, Sulu, arrived on a ferry from Jolo.

Nicolas said a fragmentation grenade was recovered from the suspect.

Asusi has a standing warrant of arrest for two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

The military said Asusi was with a group of bandits who encountered personnel of the First Scout Ranger Battalion in Sitio Marang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan recently.

Asusi denied the allegations, saying he is only a fisherman who came here to seek medical treatment after he suffered an injury in the face. His family said he could be a victim of mistaken identity.

Meanwhile, Al Hamed Manalas Abdurahman, 37, and his brother Murasidol, 32, were collared during a raid at a subdivision in Barangay Maasin at around 6:40 p.m.

Superintendent Diomarie Albarico, city police officerin-charge, said the siblings yielded bomb materials, ammunition and gun parts.

The raid was based on a search warrant issued by a local court.

During tactical interrogation, Murasidol, with aliases of Ted Amman Abdurajic and Teddung, said he joined the group of sub-leader Indang Susukan in 2014.