Suspected Abu Sayyaf 'medics' arrested in Zamboanga

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22): Suspected Abu Sayyaf 'medics' arrested in Zamboanga

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday arrested two alleged “medics” of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) at a pharmacy in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the suspects as Jadzrie Harad Saabdula, 50; and, Jamal Kalib Jamil, 18. Both are from Sulu.

Saabdula, who is a nurse of Banguingui (former Tongkil town) Municipal Hospital, is the brother of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Nadzmi Saabdula alias Commander Global.

Saabdula was one of the top three Abu Sayyaf leaders killed in a standoff during a botched jail break in March 2005 at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

The other two slain ASG leaders were Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot and Alhamser Limbong alias Commander Kosovo.

Beltran said the two suspects were arrested while they were purchasing bulk of assorted medicines at a pharmacy in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Among the medicines they purchased included antibiotics, antibacterial, pain relievers and other types of post-traumatic medicines.

Beltran said it is believed the medicines they purchased will be used to treat “their wounded associates.”

“All of their personal effects and the medicines purchased are preserved for proper disposition,” the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office said in its report to PRO-9 headquarters.

The police and military authorities have tightened security to monitor and arrest members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group fleeing from Marawi City.

The fighting continues as government troops continue to press on the Maute group members, who laid siege in Marawi City.

The fighting broke out on June 23 after the Maute group members went berserk and occupied several establishments in Marawi City when government troops raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.

Hapilon, who pledged allegiance to the ISIS, is being protected by the Maute group in Marawi City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996830