Manhunt for Abu Sayyaf supporter launched

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Marine troopers and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are tracking down an alleged supporter of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group in Kalingalang Caluang, Sulu, officials said yesterday.

The suspect, identified as Sahabi, is reportedly the owner of marijuana plantations in Barangay Masjid that were raided by the authorities on Friday.

Sahabi escaped during the raid.

“While patrolling the area, the joint team of the Marines and the PDEA discovered eight marijuana plantations in Sitio Mangal-Mangal,” Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the  Western Mindanao Command, said.