Troops intercept ammo for Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Government troops intercepted a suspected ammunition courier of the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu and recovered rounds of grenade launcher, according to the military Wednesday.

Col. Alan Arrojado, chief of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said the troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion (IB) apprehended the suspect identified as Makin Mukan, 41, a resident of Barangay Kabuntakas, Patikul.

He said the suspect was trying to slip ammunition in a checkpoint about 8:40 a.m. Monday in Barangay Latih.

“The apprehension was instigated when information stated that ammunition of unknown caliber will be facilitated to the group of the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul,” Arrojado said.

Arrojado said the troops noticed from the suspect’s possession at least six rounds of 40mm grenade launcher ammunition.

The troops immediately apprehended the suspect and recovered the ammunition.

The soldiers coordinated with the local police of Patikul for the proper filing of charges against the suspect.

Arrojado said they were also investigating the source of the ammunition that was intended to be transported to the Abu Sayyaf group.