Abu man tagged in beheadings finally arrested

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A suspected Abu Sayyaf member tagged in the beheading of a number of farmers and pro-government militiamen in a remote Basilan village three years ago, was finally arrested, authorities said.

Superintendent Bensali Jabarani, Basilan police director, said Domingo Ramos, 67, alias Gol, a follower of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani, was nabbed by a police team led by SPO4 Tabpil Cuevas in Tipo-Tipo town.

Bensali said Ramos faces 11 counts of murder for his alleged role in the Abu Sayyaf attack in Barangay Balobo, Lamitan town where 30 villagers were seized, 11 of whom, mostly farmers and CAFGU (Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit) members, were beheaded.

According to Cuevas, Ramos also faces three counts of kidnapping and one count of rape.

"Our forces here will continue to flush out the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf still hiding in remote areas," Jabarani said.

Ramos is temporarily held at the Basilan police headquarters for further interrogation.