Total number of Abu Sayyaf members nabbed since Jan. 1 breaches to 69 47 SHARES Share it! Share Tweet

By Francis Wakefield

An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader and a member were arrested by joint law enforcement operatives composed of soldiers and policemen during an operation in Tawi-Tawi on Thursday.

Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Omar Harun, alias Halipa, was arrested by composite elements of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, led by Lt. Col. Luis Tamondong of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8, and the Provincial Police Office of Tawi-Tawi in Barangay Poblacion, Taganak at around 6:25 a.m.

In a separate operation, Abu Sayyaf member Ara Samindi was also nabbed by government forces in Lagaan island also in Taganak, Tawi-Tawi on the same day.

The two Abu Sayyaf members were brought by the troops to the PNP Bongao station for questioning and documentation procedures.

As per records, Samindi and Harun were close associates of ASG/KFRG (Kidnap for Ransom Groups) sub-leaders Alden Bagadi alias Sayning, Majan Sahijuan alias Apo Mike, and the late Abraham Hamid and Alhabsy Misaya.

Both were also involved in different sea-jacking activities including the attack of Vietnamese vessel MV Giang Hai at Pearl Bank, Tawi-Tawi last Feb. 19, 2017, where six Vietnamese crewmen were also kidnapped and one killed on the vessel.

“The complementing effort of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and the Tawi-Tawi PNP is very vital in the capture of these ASG bandits,” said Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We acknowledge the solid support we are receiving from the local government unit and the people of Tawi-Tawi. Surely, this accomplishment could not be possible if not for the aggressive stance and participation shown by the community against the Abu Sayyaf and KFRG operating in their province,” he added.

For his part, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Custodio J. Parcon Jr., the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, said the neutralization of Samindi and Harun serves as another big blow to the dwindling ASG/KFRG operating in the tri-boundary since Lagaan Island lies at a strategic location just off the border.

“The operation diminishes their capabilities to conduct attacks in the JAO and sends yet another strong message to discourage and dissuade other cohorts/supporters who continue to provide support to the KFRG,” he said.

From Jan. 1, 2017 to date, a total of 69 Abu Sayyaf members were apprehended by the troops within the joint area of operations. Of this number, 11 were apprehended in Basilan, 43 in Sulu, five in Tawi-Tawi, and 10 in Zamboanga.

Tags: Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), ASG sub-leader, capture, government forces, Manila Bulletin, Tawi-tawi, Total number of Abu Sayyaf members nabbed since Jan. 1 breaches to 69