3 suspected Abu Sayyaf members fall in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Pursuing Marines captured three suspected Abu Sayyaf members Tuesday morning in a hinterland of Indanan town, Sulu, a security official said.

Capt. Antonio Bulao, information officer of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said the three suspected militants were caught in the vicinity of Bud, Taran about 6:30 a.m. by the troops under the 2nd Marine Brigade.

He said the arrest came while the Marines were tracking down the militants following the release of abducted town Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga town, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Adana was freed by the Abu Sayyaf group and recovered by the local residents about 6 a.m. Tuesday.

READ: Abu Sayyaf frees abducted town mayor

Bulao said the troops immediately launched a pursuit operation which led to the capture of the three suspected Abu Sayyaf members. 

The military official could not determine yet whether the captured militants were behind the abduction of  Adana. 

Bulao said the captured suspects were brought to Jolo town proper for tactical interrogation before being turned over to the custody of the police authorities.