‘Abu Sayyaf bomber’ slain in Basilan encounter

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb expert was killed in an encounter that resulted in the recovery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Isabela, Basilan on Friday.

Authorities identified the fatality as Adzhar Alih Anding, 34, of Saluping Island in Tabuan Lasa town.

Anding was abandoned by his cohorts who retreated to the mountains following the encounter that occurred at dawn in Barangay Baluno.

The Army’s Special Forces Intelligence Team recovered at the scene of the encounter high-grade explosives and bomb paraphernalia, according to Brig. Gen. Franco Simborio, Zamboanga peninsula police director.

Citing reports from the Isabela City police, Simborio said Anding was listed as an Abu Sayyaf member in the periodic status record of the police and military.

Aside from bomb paraphernalia, police said they recovered several bullet shells, a rifle, pistol, mobile phones, motorcycle and P5,000 cash.

The team had been tracking the Abu Sayyaf following information that the group was planning to stage bomb attacks.

Police have yet to ascertain the targets and dates of the reported bomb plots.