17 ASG members moved to Camp Bagong Diwa over security concerns

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday transported 17 suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group from the Zamboanga City jail to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig over security concerns raised by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

In a press conference, AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the inmates were transported via C-130 to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

17 miyembro umano ng Abu Sayyaf, dinala sa Maynila para dito na ipagpatuloy ang mga kinakaharap na kaso @gmanews pic.twitter.com/Evo5TQJ5UG

— Ian Cruz (@_iancruz) March 20, 2015

Cabunoc said the move was made after the BJMP received a tip that the ASG was planning to rescue its members from the Zamboanga jail.

“The primary consideration is the security of the BJMP facility (in Zamboanga City). Based on their assessment, they cannot handle if a large group attacks,” Cabunoc said.

“We did have experiences where Abu Sayyaf (detainees) were rescued. That is the reason why we deemed it proper to place them in a secure place based on the request,” he continued.

Cabunoc said that now that the ASG members are in a more secure facility, an escape is unlikely.

“If there will be [a rescue] attempt they are not going to succeed. Their chance is very small. They (BJMP) have a sound facility, you will have to pass through many gates, they cannot easily enter,” he said.

Alleged ASG members from Basilan now at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. | via @mamutuesdayniu pic.twitter.com/Z3iRbV2gFM

— GMA News (@gmanews) March 20, 2015

In January, Zamboanga City jail security personnel were alerted following a foiled attempt to spring a high-profile Abu Sayyaf member.

There has been a request for all the high-profile inmates in Zamboanga City Jail to be transferred to a more secure holding area in Manila since then. — Andrei Medina and Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News