'POTENTIAL SUICIDE BOMBERS'

Widows, daughters of Abu Sayyaf men nabbed over alleged illegal possession of explosives

Nine "potential" suicide bombers with links to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group were arrested in simultaneous operations in Sulu province last week, according to the Joint Task Force – Sulu (JTF-Sulu).

In a statement dated February 22, JTF-Sulu said its personnel, with the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP), conducted the operations on Friday.

JTF-Sulu Commander Major General William Gonzales said the nine female suspects were arrested for illegal possession of ammunition and explosives.

Among the arrested personalities, JTF-Sulu said, are daughters of late Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan identified as Isara Jalmaani Abduhajan, 36; Jedah Abduhajan Amin, 28; and Elena Tasum Sawadjaan-Abun, 40.

While serving their warrants of arrest in Barangay Bangkal in Patikul, authorities confiscated several improvised explosive device (IED) components from Isara and Jedah, according to JTF-Sulu.

In Barangay Latih, the widow of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mannul Said, identified as Firdauzia Said or Firdausia Salvin, was also arrested.

In Barangay Tulay in Jolo, meanwhile, JTF-Sulu said authorities arrested more potential suicide bombers who were identified as Nudsza Ismanu Aslun, widow of Abu Sayyaf member Alias Jabar, and  Nurshahada A. Isnain, wife Abu Sayyaf member Alias Akram, reportedly a trusted follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan.

The intelligence driven operation was under the supervision of Metro Jolo Inter-Agency Task Group Commander Colonel Giovanni Franza, JTF-Sulu said.

According to JTF-Sulu, the joint forces recovered IED components such as switches, batteries, pipes, concrete nails, blasting cap, suspected ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) and detonating cord in the operations.

Citing the PNP intelligence unit, JTF-Sulu said they also found a backpack believed to be where an IED would be placed.

These items are now at the PNP's crime laboratory.

Other arrested personalities were identified as Linda Darun Maruji, Risa Jhalil, and Sharifa Rajani, all residing at Barangay Latih. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News