A MEMBER of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), suspected to be plotting to bomb Zamboanga City, was arrested in the city’s business district over the weekend through a joint military-police operation. Col. Leonel M. Nicolas, commander of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga (JTFZ), said an intelligence report revealed that the ASG, more notorious for its kidnap-for-ransom activities, was planning to bomb public places this week as the city is preparing for its annual Hermosa Festival starting on Oct. 1. “This prompted our troops to conduct a joint operation with the police to capture the bandits and preempt their bomb ploy,” Mr. Nicolas said. The arrested bomber was identified as Omar Askali, alias Ayub, who is known as a trusted follower of Furuji Indama, one of the ASG leaders who is trained in manufacturing improvised explosive devices. Mr. Askali was in possession of a hand grenade, a cellular phone, and two identification cards during his arrest, according to Mr. Nicolas. Security measures have been tightened in the city with local and foreign tourists expected to join in the Hermosa celebration. — Albert F. Arcilla

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