Philippine forces have arrested nine women related to Abu Sayyaf commanders and militants and who the military said could have been “possible suicides.”
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine forces have arrested nine women linked to Abu Sayyaf commanders and militants in the south and who could have been “possible suicide terrorists,” the military said Tuesday.
The women were captured Friday in attacks on homes in three cities in Sulu’s predominantly Muslim province, said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., who heads Mindanao’s Western Army command.
The southern province is the Abu Sayyaf fortress, known for kidnappings, beheadings and rescue bombings.
Troops also confiscated parts of the bomb, including batteries, detonating cords, alleged dust and explosive oil, an iron pipe and nails, along with a grenade, mobile phones, backpacks and a sketch of an alleged targeted bombing area. as reported by the military in a statement.
“We are always ready to welcome those who wish to return to the folds of the law, but if you refuse to do so, we will surely persecute you and prevent you from wreaking havoc on communities,” said General William Gonzales. which directs government forces in Sulu.
“May this serve as a clear message to Abu Sayyaf supporters and remaining members,” Gonzales said.
The suspects would face criminal charges for illegal possession of explosives, military officials said, adding that intelligence and surveillance helped troops locate the suspects. It was not possible to immediately reach the arrested suspects for their comments.
Among those arrested were three daughters and a sister of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the leader of Abu Sayyaf who was wounded in a battle with troops in July last year and died a few days later in the mountainous area of the city of Patikul, in Sulu.
A few weeks after Sawadjaan’s death, two widows of Abu Sayyaf militants separately detonated bombs in suicide attacks that killed 14 people, including soldiers, and injured 75 more people in the town of Jolo in Sulu. The army then said the bombings, the worst extremist attacks in the country last year, could have been led by Abu Sayyaf to avenge the death of Sawadjaan, who was believed to have been appointed by the Islamic State group as its leader in the south. of the Philippines.
The United States and the Philippines have blacklisted Abu Sayyaf separately, which has been considerably weakened by years of setbacks, military offensives and surrenders, but which remains a threat to national security.