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SIX OF the nine women arrested are related to known leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group. — PHILIPPINE ARMY/11TH INFANTRY DIVISION
9 Abu Sayyaf-linked females arrested in Sulu, bomb components seized
JOINT government forces have arrested nine females with links to the Abu Sayyaf bandit and terror group in Sulu last week, some of whom were in possession of bomb components, the military reported on Tuesday. “Simultaneous joint law enforcement operations of the Joint Task Force–Sulu and Philippine National Police (PNP) on Feb. 19 led to the arrest of several potential suicide bombers and personalities linked to members of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” the Philippine Army’s 11 Infantry Division based in Sulu said in a statement. Among those arrested were three daughters of the late ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was killed in a gun battle against the military in July last year. The three were identified as Isara Jalmaani Abduhajan, 36; Jedah Abduhajan Amin, 28; and Elena Tasum Sawadjaan-Abun, 40. Components for making improvised explosive devices were seized from Isara and Jedah, who were both arrested in Barangay Bangkal.