Bandit’s wife nabbed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A wife of an Abu Sayyaf leader was arrested during a counterterrorism operation in Jolo, Sulu on Saturday night.

Nursita Mahalli Malud was collared by a joint team of the Special Action Force and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at her house in Barangay Tulay at around 8:30 p.m.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court 9th Judicial Region in Patikul for alleged violation of Republic Act 9516 or illegal possession of explosives, according to Maj. William Maisog, chief of the CIDG-Zamboanga peninsula.

Malud, who police said is the second wife of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan, is reportedly the bandit groups’ finance officer and administrator of funds sent by unknown supporters.

The suspect was also reportedly in charge of procuring medical supplies and bomb components for Sawadjaan’s group.

The arresting team recovered from Malud’s house money remittance receipts, bomb paraphernalia and personal belongings.