The military has tightened security in Sulu after it received intelligence information that recruits of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) are out to conduct test bombing missions in the province.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the military’s Joint Task Group Sulu, said six trainees from the group of ASG sub-leader Majan Sahidjuan alias “Apo Mike” were monitored roaming in Jolo.
He said the trainees were in a mission to conduct widespread bombing, wherein the targets include the commercial establishments, the Jolo Cathedral, the Jolo wet market, naval vessels, video bars frequented by policemen and soldiers, Coast Guard stations and other business establishments.
The test missions are a requirement before the trainees become full members of the Al Qaeda-linked terror group.
“Allegedly, they were instructed by alias Apo Mike to conduct bombing in Jolo as pre-condition to become regular members of the ASG,” Arrojado said in a text message to reporters.
He added that the trainees were also instructed to conduct roadside bombings, particularly along the Jolo-Tagbak routes, targeting military convoys.
“Maghagis daw sa sasakyan ng IED or ilagay habang naka-park ang military vehicle,” according to a military source.
The improvised bombs were reportedly made by ASG bomb experts, two of them identified as certains Muamar and Abu Jihad.
Arrojado steps have been taken to thwart any attack.
The official also said that bombings could be part of diversionary tactics of the ASG noting that the military has been continuously conducting operations against terror group in the whole province.
Meanwhile, an unexploded fragmentation grenade was discovered by elements of the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion on Friday near one of the military detachments in Patikul, Sulu.
The grenade was reportedly found at around 5:45 a.m. near the Taglibi Detachment in Patikul.
“It was believed that said grenade was thrown at around 5:45 a.m. when the sentinel heard something drop/falling from the rooftop, but when he searched the area at that time found nothing until its discovery during daybreak,” Arrojado said quoting a report.
http://www.mb.com.ph/asg-recruiting-for-bombing-missions/
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