Alleged Abu bomber captured

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An alleged Abu Sayyaf bomber was arrested in a raid here that also resulted in the seizure of bomb paraphernalia last Monday.

Abdulhalik Mohammad Ajibon alias Alex Ajibon, 50, was arrested at around 4 p.m. in his hideout on Sacol Island located east of this city, said Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman for the city police.

Huesca said the raid on Ajibon’s hideout was based on a warrant issued by Judge Gregorio dela Peña for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

“The suspect was surprised when members of the security forces arrived on the island, which is about a nautical mile from the city proper,” he said.

The raiding team was composed of officers from the Western Mindanao criminal investigation and detection unit, Regional Intelligence Division 9 and the Zamboanga City public safety company.

The team recovered several blasting caps, a component in making improvised bombs, and wirings from the suspect’s lair.

The arrest of Ajibon came amid an intensified manhunt for Abu Sayyaf bandits believed behind a foiled bombing during the Fiesta Pilar celebration.

Reports said a female bomber tried to blow up a Catholic shrine and a plaza in the downtown area.

Huesca said police are pursuing the suspect, who according to witnesses was seen with a male companion.