By Francis T. Wakefield
A sought after member of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf terror group was collared by authorities in Basilan, Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as Rahim Abdul, alias Aman Kabalu, was arrested by elements of Joint Task Force Basilan and the police at Zone 1, Barangay Kampurnah, Isabela City in Basilan at around 3:40 p.m.
Abdul is said to have been carrying a fragmentation grenade when grabbed by lawmen.
“Abdul was positively identified by a civilian, leading to his arrest,” said Brigadier General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan head.
Abdul is now detained at the Basilan Provincial Police Office.
A primary suspect in several bombing incidents in Basilan, Zamboanga and North Cotabato, Abdul is said to have been a noted Mullah in a Madrasah in Isabela City.
He is in the Department of National Defense’s most wanted person’s list with a bounty on his head amounting to P1.3 million.
“My commendations to the Joint Task Force Basilan for the successful operation which led to the arrest of a notorious bomber,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief.
“Rest assured that our Joint Task Forces will continue to keep guard as they sustain the conduct of combat and intelligence operations in their joint area of operations in order to ensure peace and security in respective areas,” he added.