High-risk Abu Sayyaf inmates transferred before jailbreak plot foiled in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Four high-risk prisoners were transferred to Metro Manila after authorities uncovered a diversionary bombing plot by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to free their comrades incarcerated at the San Ramon Penal Colony in Zamboanga City, it has been reported.

The Bureau of Corrections’ officials immediately secured all the prisoners after receiving an intelligence report about the ASG plot by transferring two of the high-risk prisoners on Feb 15 and the two others on Feb 16, the?Manila Bulletin?reported.

They were airlifted to Manila after being transported to the Zamboanga City International Airport from the San Ramon Penal Colony.

On Feb 17, the Philippine police commando unit said they had arrested an ASG member and foiled the diversionary bombing plot in Calabasa village.

The Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were serving an arrest warrant for multiple frustrated murder against Jomar Mohammad and his group identified as ASG members.

However, Jomar eluded arrest but one of his accomplices, Omar Mabanza, was cornered and arrested by the combined operating troops.?

A detonating cord, blasting cap, tin can containing an alleged explosive, a concrete nail, fourteen pieces of UT scrap metal, an improvised mechanical time fuse and other items were recovered from his possession.?

The PNP-SAF said the Abu Sayyaf had plotted to free Abu Sari and Sahid Alip, who were incarcerated in the San Ramon Penal Colony, while authorities were supposed to be distracted by the bombing.

This was the second jailbreak plot uncovered by authorities in Zamboanga City.

In January 2015, authorities uncovered a plan by Basilan-based ASG members to free their comrades from the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center.