ASG bandit, NPA rebel arrested in Zamboanga Peninsula

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

July 6, 2023, 7:42 pm

<p>Google map of the Zamboanga Peninsula.</p>

Google map of the Zamboanga Peninsula.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have arrested an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit and a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in separate operations here and in Zamboanga del Sur, police officials said Thursday.

Zamboanga City Police Office Director, Col. Alexander Lorenzo, said alleged ASG bandit Isnaji Hasim was arrested in an operation in Barangay Muti here on Wednesday.

Lorenzo said Hasim has a standing arrest warrant for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, with a PHP120,000 recommended bail, issued by a court here on June 27.

Hasim is allegedly a follower of ASG bomber Hashim Saripada, who was arrested in an intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Recodo of this city on Sept. 27, 2020.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Sur Police Director, Col. Diomarie Albarico, said Arnel Antone, 29, was nabbed in Barangay Datagan, Guipos town on Wednesday.

Antone allegedly belonged to the NPA Guerrilla Front Kara of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee. He has a standing arrest warrant for murder, with no recommended bail, issued by a court in Pagadian City dated Oct. 8, 2020.

The suspect also has a pending arrest warrant for two counts of attempted murder, with a PHP72,000 recommended bail, issued by another court in Pagadian City on Nov. 12, 2021.

Antone is listed as the top wanted person in Guipos town. (PNA)

Comments