Suspect in abduction of Italian priest nabbed in Ipil

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - A leader of the rogue rebel group, tagged in the kidnapping of an Italian priest five years ago, was captured by the combined forces of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime council (PAOCC) and local police forces in Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province, an official said.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, Spokesman of Regional Police Office 9 (PRO) said Ogis Jakaria, a leader of the lost command group previously linked with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was arrested by the security forces Tuesday afternoon at Barangay Sanito.

Huesca said the security forces tracked down Jakaria following days of surveillance operation before the arrest was made on the strength of a warrant issued by Judge Josefino Bael of regional trial court branch 31 for the case of frustrated homicide.

The case stemmed from the attacked staged by Jakaria against the police and military troops serving his warrants that left five soldiers wounded on Oct. 15, 2011 at Barangay Talaib, Payao town.

The ambush led to weeks of offensive that flushed out Jakaria's group in the camp used by the rebels in safe keeping their captives and in staging their kidnapping activities.

The police said Jakaria was also tagged in the kidnapping of Italian priest Fr. Giancarlo Bossi in June 2008 when the priest officiated mass at Payao town.

Bossi, who was reportedly brought somewhere in Lanao province was freed in August after the reported payment of ransom.

The police were also investigating Jakaria’s participation in the abduction of Australian national Warren Richard Rodwell, who was abducted last December 2011. He was freed sometime March this year following payment of ransom.