Two alleged Abu Sayyaf Group members arrested in Sulu

February 3, 2017

Two alleged Abu Sayyaf members were arrested in a military operation in Sulu last Thursday, a military spokesman said Friday.

Lt. Col. Benedicto Manquiquis, public affairs officer of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said based on initial report soldiers were pursuing Abu Sayyaf members when they  apprehended the duo at the vicinity of Luuk, Sulu around 4:30 pm.

Manquiquis said the arrested individuals were Majing Salyun and Nasser Ongah.

The Abu Sayyaf  were withdrawing from the area after an encounter in Panamao, Sulu last Tuesday that resulted to the death of five of their members.

Manquiquis said soldiers recovered two live hand grenades from the suspects.

“Further search of the immediate vicinity resulted to the recovery of one M16A1 with five short magazines and 20 rounds 5.56 ball ammo, one Cal .30 Browning Automatic Rifle with 5 magazines,” he said.

“Also recovered were two bandoliers, one backpack, one combat boots, assorted battle dress uniform, assorted personal belongings and documents with high intelligence value,” he added.

He said the suspects were initially brought to the Brigade Tactical Command Post at Brgy Kansipat, Panamao, Sulu prior to transport to Sulu Provincial Police Office for filing of appropriate charges. DMS