25 February 2016•Update: 25 February 2016
By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY
Two active members of the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf have been apprehended in the Philippines south following a shootout, according to the military.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said in a text message that Annuar Dalawis (alias Totoh) and 24-year-old Al Aziz Hasjiru Binang were arrested in Jolo on the southern island province of Sulu at around 10.30 a.m. (GMT0430) Thursday.
An associate was killed after a short exchange of fire with a joint police and military security force, according to Arrojado.
The military official said a KG9 pistol, a Samurai sword, and drug paraphernalia were recovered from a local hideout.
Since 1991, the Abu Sayyaf -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortions in a self-determined fight for an independent Islamic province in the Philippines.
It is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release.
In a video obtained by the SITE Intelligence Group late last year, the group - which has reportedly pledged allegiance to Daesh -- threatened to execute four foreign hostages if a $100-million ransom is not paid.
No deadline was given.
