Sayyaf man falls in Zamboanga City

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Air Force (PAF) operatives yesterday caught in Zamboanga City a fugitive member of the Abu Sayyaf group, who has been at large for eight years.           

PAF chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena said the renegade Abu Sayyaf member, identified as Julhasa “Jul” Ajani, was caught at 9:30 a.m. yesterday near the Zamboanga City Medical Center by members of the 300th Air Force Intelligence and Security Group.

Ajani, a resident of Upper Holland in Maluso, Basilan has a standing warrant of arrest for his involvement in the kidnapping of six members of Jehovah’s Witness and their Muslim guide on Aug. 20, 2002. Two of the victims were beheaded. In February, another Abu Sayyaf member, Mujibar Alih Amon, was caught in Umbul Qura Village, Barangay Buansa, Indanan, Sulu.

Ajani is detained for custodial briefing and will be transported to Manila.