Abu Sayyaf man linked to Sipadan kidnap falls

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A suspected Abu Sayyaf member, tagged in the kidnapping of 21 tourists in the Malaysian resort island of Sipadan five years ago, was captured in Basilan, a military official said.

The suspect, identified as Taja Ahiri, alias Erik, said to be a follower of Abu Sayyaf leaders Radullan Sahiron and Ghalib Andang, was arrested in Isabela City last Tuesday, said Brig. Gen. Reymundo Ferrer, chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Ferrer said elements of the Military Intelligence Group 9 (MIG) and the local police, who were armed with an arrest warrant issued by the Pasig City and Zamboanga City regional trial courts, cornered Ahiri along Strong Boulevard.

Ahiri is facing charges of multiple kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

Andang, alias Commander Robot, and Radullan led the abduction of 21 tourists, mostly Europeans and Malaysians, from the dive resort of Sipadan in Sabah, Malaysia, and brought them to Sulu.

Ferrer said Ahiri is undergoing tactical interrogation at the Armed Forces Southern Command here.

Meanwhile, a civilian volunteer was killed, while three of his companions were wounded in an ambush staged by Abu Sayyaf men in Sumisip, Basilan, also last Tuesday.

Ferrer said the victims were on foot patrol when they were attacked by the group of Amir Mingkong.