ZAMBOANGA CITY — Government security forces have arrested an alleged explosive expert of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) with PhP1.3 million reward in the province of Basilan, top military officials announced Thursday.
Newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, identified the arrested ASG “bomber” as Rahim Abdul alias Aman Kabalu.
Uy said Abdul was arrested in a joint military and police law enforcement operation at around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone I, Isabela City, Basilan province.
He said the arresting team seized from Abdul’s possession a fragmentation grenade.
“Abdul was positively identified by a civilian, leading to his arrest without his resistance,” Uy said.
He said Abdul is listed under the Department of National Defense-Department of Interior and Local Government (DND-DILG) Joint Order of Rewards with PhP1.3 million on his head.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, has commended the troops for the successful operation which led to the arrest of Abdul, a notorious bomber.
Galvez assured the public that the Westmincom units “will continue to keep guard as they sustain the conduct of combat and intelligence operations in their joint area of operations in order to ensure peace and security in respective areas.”
Abdul was turned over to the custody of the police for proper disposition and legal procedure. (PNA)
