Abu tagged in priest's kidnap falls

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – A suspected Abu Sayyaf member tagged in the kidnapping of an American missionary in Jolo, Sulu nearly 18 years ago has been arrested in Isabela City, Basilan, security officials said yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Edgar Danao, Region 9 chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said the suspect, Jumlie Orie Manjuri, 50, who now serves as barangay chairman of Cabunbata, Isabela City, was cornered at around noon Thursday.

Danao said Manjuri had a pending arrest warrant for the kidnapping of Fr. Clarence William Bertlesman on July 31, 1994.

Abu Sayyaf bandits disguised as police officers seized the priest at the Camp Asturias chapel in Jolo. – Roel Pareño, Non Alquitran