LAWMEN have arrested an Abu Sayyaf bandit in a coastal village in Zamboanga City, the police reported Monday, March 29, 2021.

The suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit, identified as Merham Tulawi Nasalon, 22, was nabbed in a law enforcement operation by way of service of search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, around 1:40 a.m. Sunday, March 28, in Sitio Niyog-Niyog in Muti, Zamboanga City.

Ylagan said Nasalon is a follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Marzan Ajijul.

Seized from the suspects' hideout were a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition, gun parts for caliber .45 pistol and M-16 Armalite rifle and assorted identified cards (IDs).

Ylagan said Nasalon was under investigation to determine about his plans and activities in Zamboanga City amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said Nasalon was arrested by combined operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Zamboanga City Police Office and 74th Infantry Battalion. (SunStar Zamboanga)