ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities here warned the public about three members of the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) believed to be on a mission to sow terror in Zamboanga City and the Zamboanga Peninsula or Region 9.
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco said bared this Monday as she also announced that two of the three suicide bombers carry P3-million rewards each for their capture dead or alive.
Climaco identified the three suicide bombers as Indonesian national Andi Baso, ASG sub-leader Mundi Sawajaan, who is a nephew of notorious ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawajaan, and Indonesian female bomb expert Reska Fantasya.
Baso, who is said to be between 17 and 25 years old, is Fantasya’s husband. He was described as of light body built and about 5-foot-5 in height.
Mundi was reportedly responsible for the August 24 twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu, which killed 15 persons and wounded 766 others.
He and Baso have a P3-million bounty each on their heads.
Fantasya, who is said to be between 17 to 22 years old, was tagged as the bomb expert responsible for the January 27, 2019 bombing at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, which killed 22 persons and wounded 102.
Police and military reports indicated that the three suicide bombers are now in this city, and were just awaiting for the opportune time to sow terror in this city anytime.
The three were able to slip out of Sulu province despite the strict security measures adopted by authorities in Jolo in the aftermath of the bombings. They were reportedly able to make it to this city where they are said to be planning to go on a series of bombings.
Climaco who is also the chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), asked the people in Region 9 to adopt extra precautionary measures to prevent a terror attack in their locality.
She also asked them to report to the nearest police and military detachments the presence of any suspicious persons in their locality.