The Philippine National Police (PNP) thwarted on Friday, Feb. 17, a bomb attack attempt in Zamboanga City after it arrested a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Citing a report from Regional Director PBGen. Neil Alinsañgan, PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the operation was launched at dawn by authorities to serve the warrant of arrest against ASG member Jomar Mohammad and his group.
Azurin said the group was monitored to have arrived in Brgy. Calabasa in Zamboanga City for a bombing mission.
Mohammad was able to elude arrest, but one of his cohorts, a certain Omar Mabanza, also an ASG member was cornered and arrested and in possession of improvised explosive device (IED) materials.
Recovered from the suspect were a fuse time commercial, a cord detonating commercial, cap blasting improvised, a tin can, an alleged explosive, and one piece concrete nail size, 14 pieces of cut scrap metal, improvised mechanical time fuse, one piece 9 Bolt Eveready, battery snap color blue, one box ice case, eight pieces. 7.6 millimeter ammos, one can container, and one leather bag.
The investigation further revealed that the operation thwarted the mission of the ASG to detonate a bomb in Zamboanga City that was supposed to be a diversion for another group of ASG to rescue high profile inmates identified as Abu Sari and Sahid Alip who are serving prison in San Ramon Penal Colony.
The arrested suspect was brought to Zamboanga City Police Office headquarters custodial facility for proper disposition. –Katrina Gracia Consebido gb
