Alleged Abu Sayyaf courier arrested in Jolo, bomb parts seized

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Police on Saturday night arrested the wife of an Abu Sayyaf leader over components for improvised bombs that were found in a search of their residence in Jolo, Sulu.

Nursita Mahalli Malud is also suspected to be a finance courier for the terrorist group, authorities said.

The 7th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Field Unit 9 enforced the search warrant at Malud's residence in Barangay Tulay about 8:30 p.m.

Maj. William Maisog, CIDG 9 provincial officer, in his incident report, said a search warrant, issued by the Regional Trial Court 9th Judicial Region Patikul was enforced against Malud for alleged illegal possession of explosives.

The police alleged that Malud, who is the second wife of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan, is an Abu Sayyaf group supporter and was responsible for her husband's finances as well as for funds channelled to the group.

According to the police, Malud was also allegedly in charge of finding medical supplies and bomb components for the group of Sawadjaan.

The police recovered bomb components, including a cartridge of 81-mm mortar, detonating cord, a blasting cap, stranded wires attached to blasting cap, a 9-volt battery with snap connector, a container with arming switch, and other personal belongings, including cellphones, SD cards, and notebook with intelligence value, and receipts of money remittances.

The suspect was temporarily detained in the Jolo Police Station while the seized bomb components and other evidence were placed under the custody of the CIDG.