ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities here arrested an individual believed to have been involved in the bombing incident that occurred at an elementary school in Ampatuan town during the conduct of the 9 May 2022 national and local elections.

Police Regional Office for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director P/Brig. Gen. John Gano Guyguyon disclosed on Tuesday that police nabbed a certain Abdulwadod Sangki alias Abdulwadud Amolan Sangki of Barangay Salman in Ampatuan town.

Sangki was arrested based on a warrant of arrest for violation of RA 11479 otherwise known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Guyguyon said Sangki is the president of Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur.

He was tagged as responsible for the bombing incident at the Datu Abdullah Sangki Elementary School, Barangay Poblacion in Ampatuan town during the national and local elections.

Authorities collared the suspect at Awang Airport after his participation in the 11th Councilors League 2023 National Convention held at World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Guyguyon congratulated the operating teams for their meritorious achievements in combating anti-terrorism groups.

Meanwhile, three members of a lawless group operating in Cotabato province were killed during a brief encounter with soldiers of the 602nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade in Barangay Macabual, Pikit, Cotabato on Saturday.

Soldiers also seized five high-powered firearms from the possession of Abdullah Kurdotoy, Jonathan Kadalem and another who remained unidentified.

Abdullah Kurdotoy, Jonathan Kadalem were both facing a warrant of arrest for murder and frustrated murder.