Abu Sayyaf member apprehended in Sulu checkpoint

September 8, 2017

A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member was apprehended in a checkpoint in Sulu last Thursday, a military spokesperson said Friday.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the ASG member is Milham Saham, 24, a resident of Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu.

Petinglay said Saham is a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group under top leader Radullan Sahiron.

“Saham was positively identified by informants as an Abu Sayyaf member under Sahiron. He was previously associated with the groups of late sub-leaders Hairulla Asbang and Alhabsy Misaya,” she said.

“The arrested bandit was also linked to the group of sub-leader Alden Bagadi, alias Sayning, who is his cousin,” she added.

Petinglay  said government forces got hold of him in the vicinity of Barangay Buhanginan in Patikul at around 6pm.

“Troops conducted a checkpoint following reports on the alleged movement of the Abu Sayyaf in the area,” she said.

“Seized from Saham were several components of an Improvised Explosive Device, including an ammunition nitrate fuel oil with detonating cord, electrical wires, electrical tapes, and a circuit assembly.

Petinglay said the recovered explosive components were secured as part of evidence for the filing of appropriate charges in court.

So far, Petinglay said 299 ASG members were neutralized within Western Mindanao, of the said total, 122 were killed, 103 surrendered and 74 were apprehended. Robina Asido/DMS