Abu Sayyaf fighter arrested

Government armed forces arrested a member of the Abu Sayyaf under top leader Radullan Sahiron in Sulu, the military disclosed Friday.

Milham Saham, 24, was intercepted by soldiers of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Buhanginan in Patikul town around 6 p.m. Thursday. The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) described Saham as a notorious member of the terrorist group.

“Troops conducted a checkpoint following reports on the alleged movement of the Abu Sayyaf in the area, resulting in the arrest of Abu Sayyaf member Saham,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Seized from Saham were several components of an improvised explosive device, including an ammunition nitrate fuel oil with detonating cord, electrical wires, electrical tapes, and a circuit assembly.

“Saham was positively identified by informants as an Abu Sayyaf member under Sahiron. He was previously associated with the groups of late sub-leaders Hairulla Asbang and Alhabsy Misaya,” the Wesmincom said.

He was also linked to the group of sub-leader Alden Bagadi, known as Sayning, who is his cousin.

Saham is a known Abu Sayyaf member to residents of Barangays Buganginan and Kaunayan in Patikul.

“The explosive components were secured as part of evidence for the filing of appropriate charges in court,” the Wesmincom said. KGA