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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider 2 ASG leaders, 6 followers nabbed in Sabah operation

2 ASG leaders, 6 followers nabbed in Sabah operation

Published May 10, 2021 03:08 pm

Two high-ranking Abu Sayyaf leaders and six followers were arrested in Sabah last Saturday during joint anti-terror operations held by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Eastern Sabah Southern Command (ESSCOM).

(Photo via Liza Abubakar-Jocson / MANILA BULLETIN)

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief, said the bandits were arrested during a special operation in Jalan Taman Sri Arjuna, Beaufort, Sabah at 3 a.m.

The ESSCOM reportedly responded to information provided by the AFP Joint Task Force Sulu about the presence of the bandits in the area.

The operation led to the arrest of Sansibar Bensio and Mabar Binda, sub-leaders of the eastern Sulu ASG, and six followers – Muayyar Binda, Lugah Sanchez, Bonijar Samsula, Alim Sukarno, and two members with aliases “Sansis” and “Firdaus.” Col. Hernanie Songano, 4th Marine Brigade commander, said the group moved from Sulu to Sabah to establish a cell to watch probable kidnap victims and facilitate the operation of foreign terrorist groups conducting atrocities in the Philippines.

Major Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified Bensio and Binda as kidnap-for-ransom leaders based in the eastern or second district of Sulu.

“They are involved in the series of armed confrontations with the military, including the encounter on July 2011 at Sitio Tubig Magtuh, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu wherein the late 2nd Lt. Michael Baladad of the Philippine Marines was beheaded,” said Gonzales.

The two are also reportedly involved in the kidnapping of foreign nationals and Filipinos over the past years.

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