Alleged Abu Sayyaf Killed in Zamboanga

A suspected Abu Sayyaf-linked bomb-maker was killed near the downtown area here after fighting back and attempting to escape police operatives on January 28 , a day after the deadly twin explosions in Jolo Cathedral Sunday (January 27).

Authorities here acknowledged this development as a result of the support the police and military have from Zamboangueños.

“Dapat matuwa tayo kasi nahuli'(We should be happy because he was caught), said Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) spokesperson Col. Gerry Besana.

According to reports from the Police Regional Office 9, suspected Abu Sayyaf Admar Asilon was killed in Sto. Niño, a barangay within the city proper on Monday night. Upon sensing police presence in the street, Asilon reportedly opened fire and attempted to escape before he was killed.Asilon had been the subject of police intelligence monitoring under the supervision of Police Chief Inspector Mohammad Hashim Sahidani.

Police operatives recovered from his possession ingredients and parts for an improvised explosive device (IED) including an electric time fuse, a hand grenade, a .45 caliber pistol and a cellular phone.

Meanwhile, Col. Besana said residents here and in the neighboring provinces have no reason to be alarmed for spillovers. What needs to be done, he said, is for residents to keep on maintaining stronger ties with security authorities especially the police and the armed forces to avert any threat to security.

“Wag kayong mabahala at matakot. Panawagan namin lahat tayo dapat magkaisa, dapat may pakialam,” (Do not be alarmed or scared. What we are appealing is for all of us to become united and to be concerned)Besana appealed.

The military official likewise calls on residents to immediately report suspicious persons, abandoned items and incidents to the police or military, but avoid sharing malicious posts in social media without first validating the sources.

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco said earlier that security measures have been tightened in the city particularly in entry and exit points, and in places of convergence. The public is to expect more police and military visibility, more checkpoints and more bomb squads. The residents can reach the security authorities through police hotline 09778558138, 992-3187/992-3179/991-3164 and Task Force Zamboanga through 09177102326 or 957-3932. (ALT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)