By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD, With a report from Nonoy E. Lacson
A known close aide of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon was nabbed by authorities who acted on a tip by a concerned citizen Saturday in Zamboanga City.
The ASG man was identified as Hamsi Amajad Marani alias Hamsi an ASG bomb expert who was arrested by members of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga and the Zamboanga City Police Office during an operation in Purok 4, Sitio Niyog-Niyog, Brgy. Muti, Zamboanga City.
Authorities learned about the whereabouts of Marani from a tipster who saw the notorious bomb expert in the area where he was arrested.
Marani is reportedly trained by an Indonesian Jemaah Islamiyah bomb expert and was also involved in series of military encounters against the government forces in Sulu and Basilan Provinces.
The Task Force recovered from the ASG bomber were several paraphernalia used in making Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
Joint Task Force Zamboanga commander Col. Leonel Nicolas lauded residents of the area for their participation in the successful operation against the ASG man.
“The vigilant people of Zamboanga City will never allow any notorious group or individuals to thrive and stay within their peaceful and progressive place,” said Nicolas.
Meantime the chief of the Western Mindanao Command Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. also praised the members of the Task Force for their swift action.
“I would like to laud our soldiers and policemen for this recent accomplishment. The capture of Marani will somehow cripple any possible support being given by Marani toHapilon as he struggle to leave Marawi to safety,” said Galvez.
Marani is now under the custody of the Zamboanga Police Office undergoing debriefing.