Government troops captured the suspected bomb expert and close aide of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon in Zamboanga on Saturday.
The joint military and police team that arrested Hamsi Amajad Marani also retrieved bomb-making equipment from him, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Marani is currently undergoing debriefing at the Zamboanga police headquarters.
Reports said that a concerned citizen reported to authorities that Marani was in Sitio Niyog-Niyog in Barangay Mutim.
“The vigilant people of Zamboanga City will never allow any notorious group or individuals to thrive and stay within their peaceful and progressive place,” CNN quoted Joint Task Force Zamboanga Commander Col. Leonel Nicolas as saying.
The report said Marani was trained by a bomber from Southeast Asian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah and he took part in military encounters with government authorities in Sulu and Basilan.
Western Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said his capture will halt any possible support he provides to Hapilon.
Reports said Hapilon, who was said to be the “emir” of Islamic State militant groups in Southeast Asia, is still in Marawi City.
Photo Credit: AFP WESMINCOM, CNN
