MANILA, Philippines - Police operatives on Wednesday arrested a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group bandit allegedly involved in the Sulu capitol bombing last year.

Police identified the suspect as Abner Salahil Tahil alias Abs, supposedly the right hand man of former Jolo councilor Temogen "Cocoy" Tulawie.

Combined police teams from the regional Intelligence Group and the Special Action Force arrested Tahil in Kasanyangan village Jolo town around 12:35 p.m..

A police manhunt is also in effect against Tulawie, who had 2 warrant of arrest for his supposed involvement in the May 13, 2009 bombing at the Sulu provincial capitol in Patikul town.

The bomb, rigged to a motorcycle parked near the provincial capitol, exploded as Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan's vehicle was approaching.

Tan survived the attack.

The other arrest warrant issued against Tulawie was for his supposed role in the Zamboanga City International Airport bombing.

The bomb placed inside a bag carried by the supposed bomber exploded a meter away from Tan, who was just leaving the airport's arrival area.

Tan also survived the attack. Police believe that the bomb was also intended for the governor. -- Report from Noel Alamar, radio dzMM