Authorities have arrested Hashim Saripada, an alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member with close connections with Mundi Sawadjaan.
According to the police, Saripada is the assistant and trusted member of Sawadjaan who is identified as the mastermind of the twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu in August. Saripada is linked with Furuji Indama, the ASG Leader based in Basilan. He is also involved in the bombing of Lamitan, Basilan in 2018 where 11 individuals were killed.
By virtue of a warrant of arrest, the Philippine National Police (PNP) captured Hashim Saripada in Zamboanga City. He will be charged with murder and frustrated murder charges. He was also caught with equipment used in making bombs and may face raps for this as well.
According to PNP Chief Police General Camilo Cascolan, the arrest of Saripada is a “very big blow” on Sawadjaan’s camp and the ASG. Many of Sawadjaan’s activities will discontinue due to his trusted member’s arrest.
This is the second week of the PNP arresting members of terrorist groups. Around 10 members have also surrendered to authorities.
Meanwhile, in the continuing operations of government forces against Sawadjaan, the military has killed his cousin, Arsibar Sawadjaan, who is considered as the sub-leader of the ASG and bomb maker in an encounter with more than 40 individuals in Patikul, Sulu. – Report from Bea Bernardo
