Troops capture Abu Sayyaf Group member in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): Troops capture Abu Sayyaf Group member in Sulu

Operating troops have captured an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and seized a firearm in the province of Sulu, a top military official announced Monday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, identified the captured ASG member as Basir Aden, from whose possession a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition was seized.

Arrojado said Aden was captured around 4 a.m. Monday in Sitio Tubig Patong, Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the troops from the Army 35th Infantry Battalion were “moving by foot” from Sitio Kantitap, Barangay Buhanginan to a detachment in Barangay Danag when they chanced upon Aden and two others.

“They attempted to run upon seeing the approaching government forces that led to a chase that resulted to the capture of one of the suspects,” he said.

He said the troops have coordinated with the police in Patikul town for the filing of appropriate charges to include violation of the election gun ban.

The gun ban took effect on January 10 that also marked the start of the election period for the May 2016 local and national elections.

The election gun ban ends on June 8.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=852705