Abu Sayyaf. (RADYO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Marine soldiers in Tawi-Tawi shot dead a suspected Abu Sayyaf member said to be involved in the Sipadan hostage crisis after the latter reportedly tried to grab the firearm of a soldier
while being brought to a police station on Tuesday.
Major Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said Ustab Anji was arrested during a raid on his lair in Barangay Magsagaw in Panglima Sugala town around 1 p.m. Authorities also seized from him a .45 pistol and a grenade.
While being brought to the Panglima Sugala police station, Tan said Anji grabbed the firearm of one of the soldiers. A scuffle ensued and the suspect was later shot dead.
“Anji was involved in the Sidapan hostage-taking incident and his capture carried a monetary reward of P350,000. He was also tagged in the recent kidnappings of Indonesian and Malaysian nationals,” Tan said. SFM/rga