A notorious leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group who was arrested by government forces before noon Friday in Barangau Tubungan, Zamboanga City, Navy Captain Roy Trinidad, spokesman of the Joint Task Force “Zambasulta” (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi), said.
The arrested bandit leader was identified as Mhadie Umangkat Sahirin alias Madie.
“Our troops from the 64 Infantry Battalion and policemen collared him while he was walking at 11:40 a.m. He did not resist arrest when he saw our soldiers and policemen who surrounded him. There is no chance of escape,” Trinidad said.
Intelligence operatives tracked Sahirin for years.
“Madie has long been wanted by authorities for murder and frustrated murder. The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Danilo Bucoy, 9th Judicial Court of Basilan, Branch 2 on February 14, 2013 for murder of civilians and frustrated murder of soldiers at Barangay Upper Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan," Trinidad said.
Based on military and police recirda, Sahirin is a leader of lawless elements based in Sapah Bulak, Sumisip, Basilan with the strength of more or less 20 followers.
“Sahirin was a former member of ASG under Furuji Indama alias Abu Dujana. At present, he is affiliated with the ASG under Indama and lawless element under Abas Alam. He has also participated in the ambush of government forces along the Basilan Circumferential Road using Improvised Explosive Devices.
Furthermore, Madie is responsible for a series of carnapping, bombings and burning of government construction equipment in the province,” Trinidad said.
He said authorities are investigating his presence in the city.