Abu Sayyaf bomber captured in S. Philippines

A bomb expert belonging to terrorist group Abu Sayyaf was captured by the government security forces on Thursday morning in southern Philippines, a security official said.

Senior Inspector Joseph Ortega, police regional spokesman identified the suspect as Najir Ajilul who uses several aliases including Arab-Arab, Jamil and Abu Robin. Ajilul was arrested in a secluded village of Siocon town, Zamboanga del Norte province.

Ortega said Ajilul was the second Abu Sayyaf bomber who was captured in a week.

Police said the suspect fired at approaching soldiers. Ajilul was cornered following a brief exchange of fire with the government security forces.

Troops recovered from the suspect a fragmentation grenade and his handgun, a .45 caliber pistol.

Police said the suspect is a member of the Abu Sayyaf's urban terror group, the terrorist group's hit squad.