ZAMBOANGA CITY — An Abu Sayyaf bomber with a bounty of P1.3 million has been arrested by government forces at a village in Isabela City, Basilan.
Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan, said Abu Sayyaf member Rahim Abdul alias Aman Kabalu, was captured at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday at Barangay Kaumpurnah by joint military and police forces.
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The security forces also seized from the suspect a fragmentation grenade.
“Abdul is listed under the Department of National Defense-Department of Interior and Local Government joint order of reward with a bounty reward of P1.3 million for his arrest,” Uy said.
He added that Abdul was positively identified by a civilian witness which led to the arrest.
The suspected Abu Sayyaf member was immediately turned over to the police for proper disposition.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, lauded the capture of Abdul citing that the arrest has reduced the threat from the group.
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Galvez also assured the public that the task forces under Westmincom’s area of responsibility would intensify their campaign in the fight against terrorism.
“The Joint Task Forces will sustain the conduct of combat and intelligence operations in their joint area of operations in order to ensure peace and security in respective areas,” Galvez said.