Cop with alleged links to Abu Sayyaf slain in raid

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A policeman said to have links with Abu Sayyaf bandits was killed in a raid in this city on Wednesday.

S/Sgt. Jamiri Hawang Abraham of the city police drug enforcement unit fired at police officers serving a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms and explosives at his house in Barangay Mampang, Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan, Zamboanga peninsula police director, said.

The suspect was declared dead on arrival at the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

A caliber .45 pistol, a 9mm, bullets, an M16 rifle and bomb components were reportedly recovered from the fatality.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas ordered an investigation into Abraham’s past activities.

“We want to know the extent of his involvement with the terrorist organization and establish other linkages,” Sinas said.

Abraham was said to be a relative of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and a cousin of sub-leaders Ben Quirino, alias Ben Tatoh, and Muammar Askali, alias Abu Rami.

Authorities said Abraham was monitored to have provided ammunition and firearms to Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul.