Mid-level Abu Sayyaf leader falls in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Police on Thursday captured a mid-level leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group from his hideout in Basilan province.

Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza, Basilan provincial police director, identified the arrested bandit as Muin Hamja with the aliases Abu Kudri, Sudjarapula, Usman, and Suhud Ivo Makiring.

A reward of P600,000 had been offered for the arrest of the bandit leader, who is wanted for a string of kidnapping cases.

Hamja was arrested by during a raid in his safe house in Barangay Kumalarang, Isabela City at around 2:48 a.m. on Thursday.

The suspect was facing kidnapping charges at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Isabela City, Basilan.