Abu Sayyaf bomber nabbed in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Government security forces captured a sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf group known to be an expert bomber and another member Friday dawn in a village of Ungkaya Pukan town, Basilan, according to military official. 

The suspects were identified as Abu Sayyaf group sub-leader Mudzrih Abih Adjalan alias Idol, trained in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and a certain Yasir, said Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Tan said Adjalan and Yasir were arrested during a law enforcement operation by the military and police forces about 5:15 a.m. Friday at Sitio Nangka-Nangka, Barangay Sungkayot. 

The Abu Sayyaf sub-leader has standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

He said Adjalan was involved in the conduct of surveillance and casing operations of the Abu Sayyaf group on areas targeted for bombing in the Cities of Zamboanga, Isabela and Lamitan. 

The military added that Adjalan was also tagged in the assassination of local residents identified as Godofredo Oraw Jr. and Homer Dela Fuente in Lamitan City on June 25, 2013.

Tan said the military and police continue with its law enforcement operations in hunting down members of the Abu Sayyaf group still operating in Basilan province.