Three suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group allegedly tasked to conduct bombing operations in Zamboanga City were arrested by the police and military early yesterday morning.
Supt. Rogelio C. Alabata, PNP Police Regional Office 9 Public Information Office chief, identified the suspects as Jamar Musa, 44; Ahmad Tandih, 33, and Omar Kumbing, 36.
Alabata said the suspects are believed to be members of the Sulu-based Ajang-Ajang Group of the Abu Sayyaf Group.
The suspects are believed to be among those who have escaped Sulu due to intensive military operations.
They were allegedly tasked to conduct bombing operations in Zamboanga City as monitored by the intelligence community since September 4, 2016.
Alabata said personnel of the Zamboanga City Police Office, Special Weapons and Tactics, Regional Public Safety Company 9, Zamboanga City Police Station 7, Zamboanga City Police Station 11, and Naval Intelligence Security Group conducted a law enforcement operation in Motorpool, Pasonanca, Zamboanga City at around 3:20 a.m. yesterday that led to the suspects’ arrest.
Seized from them were two fragmentation grenades, a caliber .38 revolver with six bullets, and two cellphones.
Alabata said the arrest of the suspects is the direct result of the intensified law enforcement operations against ASG members in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Chief Supt. Billy B. Beltran, acting PRO 9 regional director, lauded and commended the police for arresting the suspects.
The suspects are under the custody of Zamboanga City Police Station 7.
Meanwhile, police are conducting a thorough probe to unmask the suspect behind the grenade attack in a police station in Zamboanga City yesterday.
The incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m. at Police Station 3 in Barangay Sangali.
No one was killed or injured as the grenade fell and exploded near the steel gate of the Police Station 3 compound.
The incident occurred an hour after three suspected Abu Sayyaf bombers were arrested in Zamboanga City.
It was not immediately established if the incident was related to the suspects’ arrest. (with a report from PNA)
(FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD)