Seven Abu Sayyaf suspects working as security guards detained (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Bukit Aman counter-terrorism division detained seven Filipino men, who were working as security guards in private companies in Klang Valley, suspected to be part of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the arrests on Sept 14 follows an earlier operation where eight ASG operatives were held for allegedly planning attacks during the 29th SEA Games and 60th Merdeka celebration.
"The seven suspects aged between 22 and 38 were working as security guards in private companies in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor," Mohamad Fuzi said in a statement today.
He said one of the seven, a 22-year-old, was also involved in clashes with Philippines security forces and kidnappings in southern Philippines.
He said the suspects used forged identification documents to slip into the country through Sandakan in Sabah before heading to KL in September 2015.
Mohamad Fuzi added Bukit Aman has detained 41 foreign militants since early this year.
"The police will continue with follow-up operations to detect and detain foreign terrorists who make their way into Malaysia whether to hide, raise funds, launch attacks on the country or make it their operational base to strike a third country," Mohamad Fuzi said.
In special operations carried out from July 4 till Aug 30 in KL, Selangor, Kelantan and Johor, the police arrested eight locals and 11 foreigners who are suspected to be involved in terrorist activities.
The most notable of these arrests came on the morning of Aug 30, when the special action unit from Bukit Aman arrested eight individuals suspected to be involved with the Abu Sayyaf group in Cheras.
The Abu Sayyaf is one of the smallest and most violent terror groups in southern Philippines and had carried out kidnappings in Sabah.
Mohamad Fuzi said the suspects were arrested under the Penal Code on suspicion of conducting terror activities and are being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Act 747).