Abu Sayyaf bomber nabbed, eight members surrender
The alleged bomber has an arrest warrant for illegal possession, manufacture and acquisition of firearms or explosives.
SULU: One alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bomber was arrested while eight members surrendered in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said.
Zamboanga city police director Col. Alexander Lorenzo, in a statement, said Nursin Isnilon Pawaji aka Nanir Bandahala was arrested by joint police and military operatives Wednesday in Sitio Niyog-Niyog, Muti village, a coastal village east of Zamboanga city.
The 26-year-old has a standing warrant of arrest for illegal possession, manufacture, and acquisition of firearms or explosives with no recommended bail issued by Zamboanga court in December 2022.
Lorenzo said Pawaji, a follower of ASG sub-leader Marzan Ajijul, was previously arrested for multiple attempted murder.
He did not elaborate how Pawaji was subsequently free.
Meanwhile, eight ASG members surrendered to Brig. Gen. Giovanni Franza, commander of the Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade in Tandu Bato village in Luuk town, Sulu, on Wednesday.
Franza said the ASG surrenderers turned over five Garand rifles, an improvised Thompson pistol, and a .38-calibre pistol.
The surrenderers, who were only identified through their aliases, are followers of the late ASG leaders Isnilon Hapilon and late sub-leaders Majan Sahidjuan, Alhabsy Misaya, Latip Sape, and Hairulla Asbang.
“They took their oath of allegiance to the government and vow to support its peace and development efforts,” Franza said.
The surrenderers received grocery items and rice as initial assistance from the military and the local government unit.