Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Omar Harun, a.k.a Halipa, was arrested by composite elements of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, led by Lieutenant Colonel Luis Tamondong of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8, and the Provincial Police Office of Tawi-Tawi in Barangay Poblacion, Taganak at around 6:25 this morning.
In a separate operation, Abu Sayyaf member Ara Samindi was also nabbed by the government forces in Lagaan island also in Taganak, Tawi-Tawi on the same day.
The two Abu Sayyaf members were brought by the troops to the PNP Bongao station for questioning and documentation procedures.
As per records, Samindi and Harun were close associates of ASG/KFRG sub-leaders Alden Bagadi a.k.a Sayning, Majan Sahijuan a.k.a Apo Mike, and the late Abraham Hamid & Alhabsy Misaya.
Both were also involved in different seajacking activities including the attack of Vietnam-Flag vessel MV Giang Hai at Pearl Bank, Tawi-tawi last February 19, 2017 where 6 Vietnamese crewmen were also kidnapped and 1 killed on the vessel.
"The complementing effort of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and the Tawi-tawi PNP is very vital in the capture of these ASG bandits," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
"We acknowledge the solid support we are receiving from the local government unit and the people of Tawi-tawi."
"Surely, this accomplishment will not be a success if not for the aggressive stance and participation shown by the community against the Abu Sayyaf and Kidnap for Ransom Groups operating in their province," added LtGen Galvez.
From January 1, 2017 to date, a total of 69 Abu Sayyaf members were apprehended by the troops within the joint area of operations. Of this number, 11 were apprehended in Basilan, 43 in Sulu, 5 in Tawi-Tawi, and 10 in Zamboanga.