Suspected ‘close escort’ of Isnilon Hapilon nabbed in Zamboanga

A suspected Abu Sayyaf member, who is believed to be a close escort of the group's leader Isnilon Hapilon, was arrested on Saturday in Zamboanga City.

In a tweet by radio dzBB's Allan Gatus, the suspect was identified as Hamsi Marani, who is also an alleged bomb expert.

Marani was nabbed by security personnel of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga.

JUST IN: Bomb expert ng Abu Sayyaf at tauhan ni Isnilon Hapilon naaresto ng Joint Task Force Zamboanga @dzbb pic.twitter.com/3vkK4e9blX

— Allan Gatus (@allangatus) June 17, 2017

According to the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), Marani, who had been trained by an Indonesian Jemaah Islamiyah bomb expert, was nabbed at Purok 4, Sitio Niyog-Niyog, Barangay Muti at 1:30 p.m.

Seized from the suspect were paraphernalia for making improvised explosive devices.

The Wesmincom said a concerned citizen notified them when Marani was spotted in the area.

"This successful operation is done in close coordination with the members of the Zamboanga City Police Office," said Joint Task Force Zamboanga commander Col. Leonel Nicolas.

"The vigilant people of Zamboanga City will never allow any notorious group or individuals to thrive and stay within their peaceful and progressive places," he added.

The suspect, who was also supposedly involved in encounters against military in Sulu and Basilan, is now under the custody of the Zamboanga Police Office.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Wesmincom commander, praised the security personnel behind the arrest of Marani.

"I would like to laud our soldiers and policemen for this recent accomplishment. The capture of Marani will somehow cripple any possible support being given by Marani to Hapilon as he struggle to leave Marawi to safety," Galvez said.

"Your Wesmincom forces will continue to hunt down the remaining Abu Sayyaf terrorists until they are incapable of instilling fear to our communities and cities," Galvez added. — Anna Felicia Bajo/MDM, GMA News