Rebellion raps filed vs alleged Abu Sayyaf fighter nabbed in Sulu

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday filed criminal charges at the Department of Justice (DOJ) against an alleged Abu Sayyaf member caught in possession of bomb-making components in Sulu on September 6.

Milham Saham underwent inquest proceedings before Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Clarisa Kuong on charges of rebellion and illegal possession of explosives lodged by the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

AFP files charges for rebellion, illegal possession of explosives before DOJ vs Abu Sayyaf member Milham Saham who was arrested in Sulu. pic.twitter.com/m3gc9mO0TC

— Virgil Lopez (@virgillopez) September 11, 2017

Represented by lawyer Jonalyn Barquez from the Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Saham opted for a full-blown preliminary investigation so he could refute the allegations against him.

The DOJ set the preliminary investigation for Friday.

Saham, 24, was arrested by members of the 45th Infantry Battalion at a military checkpoint in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul town around 6 p.m. of September 6 following reports on the alleged movement of the bandits in the area.

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

According to the Westmincom, Saham was "positively identified" by informants as an Abu Sayyaf member under leader Radullan Sahiron and previously associated with the groups of late Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Hairulla Asbang and Alhabsy Misaya.

Saham is currently detained at the AFP Custodial Center in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. — BM/KVD, GMA News