Sulu bombing suspect arrested in Davao City

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – Government operatives yesterday arrested a former councilor in Jolo, Sulu tagged in bombing incidents in 2009 and 2010.

Southern Mindanao regional police director Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente identified the suspect as Temogen Sahipa Tulawie, 40, married with five children and a resident of Scott Road in Jolo, Sulu.

 Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman for Western Mindanao Command, said Tulawie was arrested at around 1 a.m. in his safehouse at Lot 17 Block 33, Phase 2 in Barangay Catalunan, Davao City.

Cabangbang said Tulawie was immediately brought to the police intelligence headquarters for interrogation.

A warrant for Tulawie's arrest had been issued in connection with the roadside bombing in Patikul, Sulu on May 13, 2009, allegedly aimed to liquidate Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan.

Two of Tulawie’s alleged cohorts – Solaiman Mohamad Muin and Julhan Albani Alihuddin – who were captured in an encounter with policemen in 2010, tagged the former councilor in the failed assassination attempt on Tan.

Tulawie, who ran but lost in the 2007 congressional elections, was likewise implicated in the August 2010 bombing at the arrival area of the Zamboanga International Airport that also targeted Tan and members of his family.

Two persons were killed, including the man who brought the bomb while dozens were wounded in the incident, including Tan. – With Edith Regalado