Abu Sayys bombing plots in Zambo confirmed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Government security forces stepped up the security in this city after confirming plots of the Abu Sayyaf group to bomb gas stations and other “highly” vulnerable areas.

The bombing plans, however, were foiled following the arrest Saturday of one of the suspected Abu Sayyaf bombers outside a military base in this city, according to City Police Director Senior Superintendent Angelito  Casimiro.

Casimiro said the suspect -  Nujir Ahidji alias Abu Jomar – said to be expert in making improvised explosive device (IED) – is still undergoing tactical interrogation.

He said the arrest of Ahidji, a native of Jolo, Sulu, came following the surveillance on and intelligence information about the terror plot.

According to Casimirio, Ahidji is reportedly connected with the terror cells based in Sulu and Basilan provinces, and cohorts operating in Pikit town in North  Cotabato.

“These are new graduates (bombers) and some have already conducted activities in Pikit where one of the bombs was disrupted and the two others went off,” Casimiro told newsmen here during a briefing at the city hall Monday.

Casimiro disclosed that the terror group has included in their targets gas stations, pubs, and other public places.

The police official also revealed that first responders, including the police and military bomb squads, are among the targets of the terror group.

According to Casimiro, following the arrest of Ahidji and the recovery of components of IEDs, they are still tracking down six improvised bombs fashioned through mortar shells in Basilan and two others in this city.

He said Ahidji is facing charges of illegal possession of explosives while detained at the city police office.

Lamitan City in Basilan province also intensified its security alert following the threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf group.

Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay and vice Mayor Roderick Furigay called an emergency meeting with their 45 barangay chairmen, police, and military  authorities and laid down their security plans against the bombing plot of the terror group.

The security briefing came after police and military defused one of the Abu Sayyaf IEDs planted at sitio Lagasan, Barangay Kulay Bato last Sunday.

Mayor Furigay lauded the immediate response of the police and military in the discovery of the IED.