ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An Abu Sayyaf bomber was arrested in a joint police and military operation in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay yesterday.
Isnaji Hasim was collared at his safehouse in Barangay Bangkaw-Bangkaw, Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry Battalion commander, said.
Templonuevo said a caliber .30 rifle, a grenade, an improvised explosive device and bomb materials were recovered from the suspect.
He said Hasim is with the group of Furuji Indama based in Basilan and an associate of Hashim Saripa, who was tagged in the bombing of a military checkpoint in Lamitan City on July 31 last year that left 10 people dead and nine others wounded.
Templonuevo said Hasim was also reportedly involved in the bombing of a terminal in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City on June 23, 2015. Five persons were killed and 53 others were wounded in the incident.