Kidnapper of 2 European birdwatchers arrested

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Authorities arrested a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant tagged in the kidnapping of two European birdwatchers during a raid in Jolo, Sulu on Wednesday.

Haik Asgali, alias Abu Aswad, was arrested by agents of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) at his safehouse in Barangay San Raymundo, according to Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, Sulu police director.

Orbita said Asgali is a nephew and trusted aide of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron. He said the suspect was tagged in the kidnapping of European birdwatchers Elwold Horn and Lorenzo Vinceguerra.

The victims, along with their Filipino guide Ivan Sarenas, were snatched in Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi in February 2012.

Sarenas managed to escape the kidnappers as they were being transported to Languyan town.

Orbita said Asgali, a native of Barangay Kaunayan in Patikul town, is reportedly involved in a series of kidnappings.

“The most significant is the kidnapping of the two European birdwatchers,” he said.

Authorities said Asgali would be subjected to tactical interrogation to make him reveal the whereabouts of the two Europeans. The suspect will be flown to this city on an undisclosed date, they said.          – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, AP