Abu Sayyaf diversion bombing and jailbreak plot foiled in Zamboanga

An Abu Sayyaf Group member is arrested and bomb-making components are seized in the process.

ZAMBOANGA CITY: The Philippine police commando unit said they have arrested an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member and foiled a bombing plot to divert authorities from the terror group's plan to rescue imprisoned cohorts in Zamboanga City on Feb 17, 2023. 

The Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), in a statement, said they were serving an arrest warrant for multiple frustrated murder against Jomar Mohammad and his group identified as ASG members in Sitio Sapa Dulian, Calabasa village. 

However, Jomar eluded arrest but one of his accomplices, Omar Mabanza, was cornered and arrested by the combined operating troops.

Recovered from his possession were a detonating cord, blasting cap, tin can containing an alleged explosive, a concrete nail, fourteen pieces of UT scrap metal, an improvised mechanical time fuse and other items. 

The PNP-SAF said the Abu Sayyaf, with their planned bombing diversion, were plotting to rescue high-profile inmates identified as Abu Sari and Sahid Alip who were being incarcerated in San Ramon Penal Colony.