Combined police and military teams confiscated explosive materials from a couple in Barangay Kasanyangan, Zamboanga city during service of search warrant Wednesday night, December 21.
P/Maj. Shellamie Chang, Police Regional Office-9 Spokesperson, said the suspects, Tony Burah Asmun and Hadji Nurmina J. Camlian were reportedly entrusted with the IED, a 90RR, for safekeeping by a Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf member.
The explosives were placed inside sacks of charcoal and transported from Barangay Seronggon, Hadji Mohamad Ajul, Basilan Province aboard a pump boat manned by Abu Sayyaf member Putoh and his skipper.
The boat docked in Barangay Mariki, Zamboanga City where the explosives were taken to the couple’s house in Barangay Kasanyangan for safekeeping.
Tony Asmun y Burah, 57, was later arrested during law enforcement operations.
The operating team confiscated 1 cartridge 90mm HEAF with detonating cord as booster, and other bomb materials.
Zamboanga City was placed on heightened alert as a result of the operation.
Mayor Beng Climaco lauds security forces led by MBLT -11 and CIDG for preventing a planned bomb attack in the City. With the Mayor and the operatives on the operations site were PBGen Simborio and City Administrator Mike Saavedra.