A MEMBER of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), involved in the kidnapping of six Indonesian fishermen more than four years ago, was killed in a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a top police official announced Sunday, November 8, 2020.
Police Brigadier General Jesus Cambay, Jr., Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, identified the slain Abu Sayyaf bandit as Salip Adzhar Alijam also known as Alip Adjal Hamsa Grandad.
Cambay said Alijam was killed in a shootout during a law enforcement operation by way of service of search warrants by combined police, military and intelligence team around 5:45 a.m. Saturday in Masao village, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
He said the shootout ensued when Alijam opened fire upon seeing the law enforcement team, which prompted the lawmen to return fire killing the Abu Sayyaf bandit.
Cambay said the team was supposed to serve two search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition issued by the court of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Alijam is a follower of the late Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya and was involved in the kidnapping of six Indonesian fishermen on August 3, 2016 off Sabah, Malaysia.
Herman Bin Manggak, one of the Indonesian kidnap victim, positively identified Alijam as one of their kidnappers.
Cambay said the law enforcement team recovered from the suspects’ hideout the following: one grenade; a caliber .45 pistol with one magazine and eight live ammunition; two empty shells of caliber .45; one US-made Caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle; and two magazines loaded with 16 of Garand rifle.
“We commend the untiring efforts of our operating troops for a job well done. We call for unity and solidarity to fight against those who attempt to disturb the peace and tranquility of Zamboanga Peninsula,” Cambay said. (SunStar Zamboanga)