Abu suspect in Marines’ beheading nabbed

One of the Muslim militants suspected in the ambush and beheading of Marines in Basilan last July was captured by combined police and government troops in Tipo-Tipo, officials announced yesterday.

Western Mindanao police director Chief Superintendent Jaime Caringal identified the arrested suspect as Janatin Madjakin, alias Jing Amilul, who had a pending arrest warrant on charges of murder, kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“Previous kidnapping victims of the Abu Sayyaf have positively identified Madjakin as one of their captors,” Caringal said.

“Some witnesses also identified him as one of those involved in the beheading of the Marine troopers,” he said.

Police said Madjakin, an active member of the Basilan-based Urban Terrorist Group (UTG) of the Abu Sayyaf, was arrested in Barangay Cabalangan in Tipo-Tipo last Oct. 16.

He was the first militant to be arrested by the police in connection with the ambush of 14 Marines and the beheading of 10 of them in Basilan last July. – James Mananghaya, AP