[PhilStar] Philippine security forces have thwarted possible future attacks with the arrest of three suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb experts in Zamboanga City. One of those arrested, identified as Omar Askali, alias Ayub, is said to be a follower of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama, according to Col. Leonel Nicolas, chief of Joint Task Force Zamboanga.Askali was nabbed by a joint police and military team on Saturday morning. Follow-up operations conducted by the same team resulted in the arrest of Mukaram Sapie, alias Mukram, and a certain Shayif, in Barangay Taluksangay. The two suspects were allegedly on a mission to carry out bombings on orders of Indama.
Nicolas said, “Intelligence reports showed the group would bomb public places in the city three days from now,” adding Askali is one of Indama's most trusted men. Nicolas said they are tracking down two improvised explosive devices set to be planted in the city, based on information provided by Askali.
Meanwhile, authorities prevented another attempt to bomb selected targets in North Cotabato with the arrest of a suspected leader of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Midsayap town yesterday.
Muslimin Ladtugan, alias Commander Mus, was arrested at his hideout in Barangay Nabalawag by police and military troopers. The military has received reports that Ladtugan’s group has been plotting to avenge the death of 27 BIFF militants killed in clashes with Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.