Police, military on high alert in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Police and military authorities were placed on heightened alert yesterday following the arrest of three suspects – believed linked to the Abu Sayyaf – after a bomb explosion at a massage parlor Monday night. 

Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro identified the arrested suspects as Marcel Ammak Jumadil, 35, and Jumdan Ammak Dassan, 45 – both residents of Barangay Malimbaya, Indanan, Sulu – and Al-Shirit Sabdani, 49, a resident of Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi.

The bombing could be part of a diversionary tactic of the bandits amid government offensives in Basilan and Sulu, security officials said.

The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO) said it received intelligence reports that Abu Sayyaf bandits have slipped into the city and planned to conduct bombings.

PRO 9 director Chief Superintendent Edgar Basbas urged civilians to be extra vigilant against possible terrorist attacks by the bandit group.

Col. Andrelino Colina, commander of the anti-terror Joint Task Group Zamboanga, said soldiers have increased security in coastal areas as intelligence units were tracking the movement of the Abu Sayyaf.