TWO suspected “medics” of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were arrested at a pharmacy in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official said Thursday, June 22.
Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (formerly Western Mindanao) director, identified the arrested suspects as Jadzrie Harad Saabdula, 50 and Jamal Kalib Jamil, 18. Both are from Sulu.
Beltran said the two suspects were arrested while they were purchasing bulk of assorted medicines at a pharmacy in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
Among the medicines they purchased included antibiotics, antibacterial, pain relievers and other types of post-traumatic medicines.
Beltran said it is believed the medicines they purchased will be used to treat “their wounded associates.”
He said that Saabdula, who is a nurse of Banguingui (former Tongkil town) Municipal Hospital, is the brother of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Nadzmi Saabdula alias Commander Global.
Saabdula was one of the three top Abu Sayyaf leaders killed in a standoff during a botched jail break in March 2005 at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.
The other two slain ASG leaders were Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot and Alhamser Limbong alias Commander Kosovo.
The police and military authorities have tightened security to monitor and arrest members of the Maute group fleeing from Marawi City.
On June 23, Maute group members engaged government forces in a firefight and occupied several establishments in Marawi City after the latter raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.
Hapilon, who pledged allegiance to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is being aided by the Maute group. (SunStar Philippines)