3 suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits captured in Sulu

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

MANILA—Three suspected members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), believed to be involved in the recent attacks against police and military personnel, were arrested by authorities in Patikul, Sulu province Thursday morning.

The three were arrested at Barangay Bangkal around 11:40 a.

m., said Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado.

Arrested were Jemar Asgarri, 22; Alden Asmad, 29, both married and residents of Barangay Darayan, Patikul and Dems Abtal, 28, also married and a resident of Barangay Lower Sinumaan, Talipao.

Government security forces pounced on the suspects after seeing one of them carrying a .

38 caliber pistol and acting suspiciously aboard their Kawasaki Fury motorcycle (with license plate 7260-JD)

The suspects are believed to be responsible for the attack of PNP personnel at Jolo Airport and the killing of two 10th Infantry battalion intelligence personnel in Patikul last March 15, Arrojado said.

The three are now undergoing investigation at the Jolo Municipal Police Station. Appropriate charges are now being readied against them.