ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A suspected Malaysian terrorist is undergoing interrogation of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), security officials said yesterday.
An ISAFP unit has placed Ahmad Tarmizi ben Muhamad Sayoti under interrogation following his arrest in Basilan.
Sayoti has been linked with the Abu Sayyaf group under Isnilon Hapilon.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for Western Mindanao Command said Sayoti initially denied his ties with the Abu Sayyaf when he was captured by the military in the port of Maluso early this month.
Sayoti was trying to slip back to Malaysia when he was arrested by the military in possession of improvised explosive device.
“But it was proven that he is from the other country who linked up with the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan,” Tan said.
Tan said Sayoti was seen in one of the Abu Sayyaf’s videos flashing his forefinger with the black flag of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria as backdrop.