MANILA, Philippines—A suspected bomb expert of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group was arrested by government forces in Sulu following a tip-off from a civilian, a military official said Wednesday.

Almid Jundam, believed to be a member of the Abu Sayyaf’s urban terrorist group, was apprehended Tuesday morning in the village of Walled City, Jolo, Sulu while about to withdraw money from a bank, Third Marine Brigade Commander Colonel Eugenio Clemen said in a statement.

Jundam was behind Saturday’s foiled plot to bomb the Sulu airport, Clemen said. Authorities found the improvised explosive device and safely detonated it.

Clemen said Jundam also admitted to the planting of another explosive device near a Catholic cathedral in Zamboanga City in 2007.

Jundam, now in the custody of the 3rd Marine Brigade, was also identified by a witness as being behind the murders of Khomieni Sawadjaan and Ubay Damsik last October 8. The two were shot to death in Barangay Alat, Indanan, Sulu.

Recovered from Jundam’s belt-bag were a wig and a camouflage uniform.

Joint Task Force Comet Commander Major General Juancho Sabban said Jundam’s arrest was another “success story” in the military’s crackdown of the Al Qaeda-linked terror group.

“We uphold the people’s steadfast stance against the employment of illegal and deadly explosives as one of the acts of terrorism,” Sabban said.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the people, who share the same vision: a peaceful atmosphere more conducive for development,” he said.

“This accomplishment indicates the trust and confidence bestowed to us by the peace-loving people of Sulu. The ASG’s complete downfall is imperative for our people to fully enjoy their rights to lasting peace,” Sabban said.