9 'potential suicide bombers' arrested in Sulu

NINE women suspected of being “potential” suicide bombers were arrested in simultaneous operations in Sulu on February 19, 2021, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

Seven were arrested in Barangay Bangkal in Patikul, including two daughters of the late Hajan Sawadjaan, while two were arrested in Barangay Tulay in Jolo.

Those arrested in Patikul are:

• Elena Tasum Sawadjaan-Abun, 40, daughter of the late Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and widow of sub-leader Walid Abun;
• Linda Darun Maruji, 66, sister of Sawadjaan;
• Firdauzia Said, widow of sub-leader Mannul Said;
• Risa Jalil, wife of ASG member Nasser Sawadjaan Hadjail and a niece of Hajan Sawadjaan;
• Sharifa Rajani, wife of ASG member Mukti, under the said ASG leader; and
• Isara Jalmaani Abduhajan, 36, and Jedah Abduhajan-Amin, 28, daughters of the late Hajan Sawadjaan.