Police: Suspected Abu Sayyaf sub-leader nabbed in Zamboanga Sibugay

An alleged sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf  was arrested in Barangay Caliran, Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday, police said on Thursday.

Police Regional Office IX chief Police Brigadier General Jesus Cambay identified the alleged local terrorist as 41-year-old Jamiul Nassalon. Authorities said the suspect has been using various aliases such as Ustad Amih, Abu Harris, Abu Janar, and Abu Jamih.

Police said Nassalon has warrants of arrest for the crimes of Serious Illegal Detention with Ransom, Multiple Attempted Murder, which are both are non-bailable, and Attempted Murder with recommended bail bond of P 120,000.

These were issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 16 and Branch 32 of the 9th Judicial Region in Zamboanga City.

Nassalon reportedly became an Abu Sayyaf member in 2009 where he became part of the group's notorious crimes, especially in Zamboanga City.

He was tagged as the mastermind in the kidnapping and beheading of one Doroteo Gonzales in 2009 in Barangay Buenavista, Zamboanga City and was also known for his supposed involvement in the bombing of a bus terminal in Guiwan in 2012.

He was also allegedly involved in the massacre of eight fishermen in Siromon Waters in Barangay Dita on January 9, 2017 and strafing of Rural Bus in KM-57 in Barangay Buenavista on February 14 of the same year.

Authorities said Nassalon is allegedly in the process of organizing his group to launch another terroristic activity within the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Meanwhile, Cambay said the successful operation was a result of intelligence fusion and the committed and responsive members of the security cluster.

Cambay also thanked the community for constantly reporting the presence of criminals in the area. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News