The military seized 16 pipe bombs from an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf, who was arrested in Indanan, Sulu, during a follow-up operation.
The suspect was identified by the alias “Mang.” Authorities confirmed that “Mang” was keeping explosives at a safehouse in Barangay Paligue.
The military troops found about 16 pipe bombs at the safe house of the suspected Abu Sayyaf member.
The operation is a follow up on an encounter in Indanan that killed two foreigners and a local terrorist in Barangay Kan Islam on Sunday.
Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto, commander of the Philippine Army, congratulated the Joint Task Force Sulu on its successful counterterrorism efforts.
2 Egyptians, 1 Pinoy suspected Abu Sayyaf suicide bombers killed in Sulu
Three suspected suicide bombers of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed in a military encounter in Indanan, Sulu, on Tuesday.
According to the military, those killed include two Egyptian nationals and a Filipino.
The foreigners were identified only by the names Abduramil and Abdurahman, which were believed to be a father and son.
According to Western Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the three terrorists were about to carry out suicide bombings when they were stopped by members of the Philippine Army at a checkpoint in Barangay Kan Islam at 5:00 pm.
The Sulu Abu Sayyaf suicide bombers fired at the soldiers and took. The military and the suspects exchanged fires, which lasted for about five minutes.
The military is confirming whether two Egyptians are related to a female suicide bomber who attacked a military outpost in Sulu in September.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has ordered tighter security in Sulu following the killing of three suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) suicide bombers.