Joint Task Group Sulu keeping a tight watch against alleged ASG bombing attacks

ABU SAYYAF GROUP (Screenshot from video courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups)

MANILA—Units of Joint Task Group Sulu are now keeping a tight watch on their areas-of-jurisdiction after receiving an intelligence report claiming that six Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) trainees will conduct bombing attacks in Jolo.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, citing intelligence reports said the trainees are from the group of ASG sub-leader Majan Sahidjuan alias “Apo Mike”.

“Allegedly, they were instructed by ‘Apo Mike’ to conduct bombing(s) in Jolo as pre-condition to become a regular members of the ASG. Among their targets are naval vessels, commercial establishments, PCG Station, Jolo Cathedral, Jolo Wet Market, videoke bars along Jolo Airport Road and business establishment(s) frequented by AFP/PNP personnel,” he added.

Arrojado said that intelligence reports also disclosed that these trainees were also instructed to conduct roadside bombings along Jolo-Tagbak MSR (main supply route) targeting AFP convoys.

He also stressed that these are retaliatory efforts of the ASG against their ongoing operations against the bandit group in Sulu.