ASG members arrested in Zamboanga City


Three Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members have been arrested prompted by a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms and explosive devices in Zamboanga City.

Kadija Sadji, Abdulman Sarapuddin Tula, and Jailana Al-Rafee Sakandal are allegedly trusted members of the leader of ASG.

According to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Camilo Cascolan, Sadji and Tula are Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Financial Conduits of Dawlah Islamiya under Mundi Sawadjaan. Sadji is the wife of Al Asgar who is the son of the late ASG Founder, Abdurajak Janjalani. Sadji also has a connection with the suspected terrorist who was killed in a police operation in Parañaque in June.

Tula is responsible for logistics in the group of Sawadjaan while Sakandal is an active member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with a rank of apprentice seaman. Authorities are still investigating the role of Sakandal in the activities of the group.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is prepared to cooperate with the investigation of Sakandal by the security forces.

“Admiral Ursabia has tasked the Coast Guard Internal Affairs Unit to conduct parallel investigation to ensure that involved Coast Guard personnel, if found guilty of violating the law, will face the consequences of their actions.”

In a separate operation, authorities have arrested Hassan Anang Mohammad alias Usi on Sunday who was charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.

Earlier on Saturday, a female Indonesian, a suspected suicide bomber, was apprehended in Sulu. According to PNP Chief Cascolan, the said foreigner is a minor and pregnant. She is allegedly the child of those who are behind the Jolo Cathedral bombing.

In a report of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Indonesian is allegedly set to commit acts of terror once she has given birth. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will file a deportation case against the alleged foreign terrorist. – Report from Bea Bernardo

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