4 suspected Abu supporters held

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government security forces yesterday held three men and a woman said to be supporters of Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu.

The four were spotted at around 9:45 a.m. roaming near an area in Barangay Buhanginan, where a recent encounter between government troopers and a band of bandits occurred.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, chief of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said the four were acting suspiciously when seen by troopers belonging to the Marine Special Operations Company 10 in the mountainous area of Sitio Sapah.

Arrojado identified the men as Al-majir Jajiri, 27; Salip Tamad Sakirin, 31; Bagin Hamsi, 28, and the woman as Pola Jumadil, 49.

He said the woman showed a social welfare identification card bearing her name and a voter’s ID of a certain Ahajani Pula Amilussin.

“Their presence in the area, particularly near the encounter site is questionable,” Arrojado said, adding the military has focused its operation in Sitio Sapah in a bid to rescue victims kidnapped by the bandit group.

Security forces have been pursuing Abu Sayyaf bandits believed holding close to a dozen of captives, including three Westerners and a Filipino woman seized from Samal Island off Davao del Norte last month.

The apprehension of the four came amid reports received by government troops on the possible reinforcement and resupply support for the Abu Sayyaf. 

Arrojado said they coordinated with the Sulu provincial police and the area coordinating center for the processing and documentation of the four before they would be turned over to proper authorities.