Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (CNN Philippines) — Two members of the Abu Sayyaf group were arrested in Zamboanga City Friday night after a manhunt conducted by local police.
Police confiscated a pound net high explosive, detonating cord, and time fuse from the suspects.
They had plans to attack Zamboanga City, police said.
Abdul-latip Talanghati, who has a ₱5.3-million bounty on his head, was nabbed together with another Abu Sayyaf member, Albashrie Talanghati, in Barangay Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City.
Talanghati was allegedly behind the mass kidnapping of 21 people in Sipadan, Malaysia in April 2000 – regarded as the Abu Sayyaf group’s first international attack.
Related: Who are the Abu Sayyaf?
Police served the suspects warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.
On Monday, local authorities also arrested three other suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf group who were allegedly planning an attack during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
Police said the suspects plotted to hurl a hand grenade at RT Lim Boulevard, one of the popular sites in this year’s festivities, which happens October 1-12.
CNN Philippines’ Digital Producer Eimor P. Santos and Pagadian-based journalist Jong Cadion contributed to this report.
