Abu Sayyaf's alleged associate, member arrested in Basilan -police

Posted to GMA News Online (Nov 20, 2020): Abu Sayyaf's alleged associate, member arrested in Basilan -police (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)

An alleged associate and a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf group were arrested during separate counter-intelligence operations in Basilan on Friday, according to the Philippine National Police.

Reports reaching Camp Crame stated that a counterterrorism operation was launched by the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office IX as well as the 5th Special Action Battalion and 84th Special Action Company (Seaborne) of the Rapid Deployment Battalion of PNP Special Action Force.

They also implemented a search warrant for illegal possession of explosives and ammunition against Ranger Siason issued by Honorable Leo Jay Principe, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 1 of Isabela City.

Authorities found a cache of explosives at his residence in Purok 1, Barangay Aguada, including two fragmentation grenades, two 40mm high explosive shells, 30 rounds of 5.56mm rifle ammunition, four kilograms of ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) explosives, six cal.50 shells, and an ISIS flag.

Police said Siason was an associate of the ASG members based in Basilan. He was supposedly responsible for the procurement and transport of explosives and ammunition for the terrorist group.

Siason was also allegedly involved in the Abu Sayyaf rampage in Barangay Tubigan, Maluso on August 1, 2017 where nine residents were massacred and a cluster of houses were burned.

In a separate operation, Munjiral Kabole, the subject of a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Honorable Danilo Bucoy of Regional Trial Court Branch 2, was also captured in Barangay Saluping in Tabuan-Lasa.

The PNP said Kabole was the main suspect in the kidnapping of Hja Sadday Jalal in 2009 in Sumisip town. He was also linked in the series of attacks on police and military forces in the province of Basilan.

Kabole was under the command of ASG sub leader Pasil Bayali.

The PNP will file criminal charges against Siason for illegal possession of explosives and ammunition while Kabole will be presented to the court for the procedural return of warrant.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/764932/abu-sayyaf-s-alleged-associate-member-arrested-in-basilan-police/story/