WestMinCom chief Vinluan says Mundi Sawadjaan still in Patikul

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Major General Corleto Vinluan on Tuesday said Mundi Sawadjaan is still in Patikul, Sulu, contrary to reports he is allegedly in Zamboanga City to launch attacks.

"Wala pinalabas lang nila 'yun, hindi totoo 'yan... nandoon siya sa ano talaga sa Sulu, as of this report ha," Vinluan told reporters.

"Nasa Patikul pa rin siya, 'yun ang hinahabol ng tropa, na-encounter nila parang two days ago yata na-encounter eh, na ang body count isa pero apat 'yung patay talaga doon," he added.

Over the weekend, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco said the national government is offering a P3-million reward for anyone who could provide information leading to the arrest of Mundi and two Indonesian terrorists, identified as Andi Baso and Reski Fantasya, also known as Cici.

Climaco had said the three terrorists are allegedly sent out in a mission to sow terror in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Vinluan said as early as May, there was already a plan to attack Zamboanga.

"Hindi nila na-implement dahil sa COVID protocols ng dalawang probinsiya ng Sulu saka sa Zamboanga kaya nahirapan sila tumawid," Vinluan said.

He also denied reports that Sawadjaan is in Central Mindanao, noting that Mundi and his group are just diverting the focus of security officials.

"Nahihirapan na itong sina Mundi, so gagawa sila ng paraan para ma-divert 'yung attention, gagawa sila ng report na nasa Central Mindanao, nasa Zamboanga," Vinluan said.

The military earlier said that Sawadjaan masterminded the twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu, that left 15 people dead and over 70 others injured. — RSJ, GMA News