Intel operatives nab suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit

ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - Combined police and military intelligence personnel captured an Abu Sayyaf member during a raid in this city, a police official said Wednesday.

Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo, city police director, identified the arrested suspect as a certain Muner also known as Gordo and Eskildo.

De Ocampo said Muner is a known follower of slain ABu Sayyaf leaders Ghalib Andang alias Kumander Robot and Umbra Jumdail alias Doc Abu.

He said that the arrest of the suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit prompted police and military units in the city to the double measures being implemented for the Holy Week.

He said the suspect was collared by intelligence operatives from his hideout in Barangay Talon-Talon on Monday afternoon.

De Ocampo said that Muner belonged to a group within Abu Sayyaf that is tasked to conduct bombings and assassination missions.

De Ocampo said Muner has a pending warrant of arrest for kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

He said Muner is one of the suspects in the 2000 kidnapping of Sipadan tourists who were brought and held in Sulu before they were released in batches in exchange for hefty ransom in dollars.