Cops arrest suspected Abu Sayyaf medics in Pagadian

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Police forces captured two suspected medics of the Abu Sayyaf group Wednesday morning in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Police identified the suspects as Jadzrie Harad Saabdula, 50, nurse of Tongkil Municipal Hospital and Jamal Kalib Jamil, 18, a fisherman, from Tongkil and Jolo towns, respectively.

Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Police Regional director, said the two suspects were arrested about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday by joint operatives of the 2nd Mobile Company of Regional Public Safety Battalion 9 (RPSB), Regional Intelligence Division 9 (RID) and Pagadian City Police.

Beltran said the two suspects were intercepted when they purchased bulk orders of assorted medicines, including antibiotics, antibacterial, pain relievers and other types of post-traumatic medicines in a pharmacy along Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City.

Beltran said the initial investigation revealed that Jadzrie Harad Saabdula is the brother of slain Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group commander, Nadjmi Saabdula alias "Kumander Global."

Global, who was captured along with another slain leader, Ghalib Andang alias "Commander Robot," were among those Abu Sayyaf detainees killed during the botched jailbreak in March 2005 in Bicutan, Taguig City, Manila.

Beltran said the 2nd MC RPSB 9 assessed the two suspects and noted that they were medics and supporters of the Abu Sayyaf group, who were tasked to procure medicines for their wounded companions.

Authorities continued the investigation and did not discount the possibility that the medicines might be also used by Abu Sayyaf militants who joined the Marawi siege.

Beltran said that the security continued to be tightened in the region following the arrest of 13 suspected Maute group members who escaped from Marawi and sought medical help in Pagadian City.