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| Southeast Asia |
| Suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber's contact falls in Central Mindanao raid |
| 2007-03-14 |
| Government security forces arrested a close associate of fugitive Abu Sayyaf bomber Abdul Basit Usman during a raid Monday in Sultan Mastura, Shariff Kabunsuan province, a regional military spokesperson said. Maj. Randolph Cabangbang, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, said the suspect, Acmak Saludin, is also long wanted for a series of bomb attacks in Mindanao just like Usman. Saludin was arrested at his hideout in barangay Tambo, Sultan Mastura, around 2:45 a.m. through the help of government intelligence personnel of the Army's 603rd Infantry Brigade. "He did not resist arrest. We are also looking into his involvement in the bomb attack in Makilala town last year," Cabangbang said. Two improvised explosive devices, two rocket propelled grenades, mobile phones, and an electronic tester were recovered from the suspects' possession. The U.S. government has earlier offered US$ 50,000 dollars or approximately P2.5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Usman. The fugitive bomber is linked to Jemaah Islamiyah and believed responsible for bombings in Makilala town in October 2006 that killed eight civilians and left 30 others wounded. Usman is also implicated in a recent series of bomb attacks in Mindanao. Over the weekend, authorities also nabbed an Abu Sayyaf leader implicated in the kidnapping and beheading of civilians six years ago in Basilan. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao said the suspect, Abu Usman, was arrested by joint military and police troopers at the Port of Isabela, Basilan, through a tip from concerned civilians. |
| Posted by:Fred |