Abu suspect eludes arrest
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A suspected Abu Sayyaf leader wanted for a series of kidnappings eluded military and police officers out to arrest him here, security officials said yesterday.
Whid Pingli alias Gafur is wanted for the kidnapping of businessmen Inocente Bautista and Vicente Barrios in 2008 and 2010, respectively, according to Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command.
Bautista and Barrios were freed after their families reportedly paid ransom.
Muyuela said members of the Zamboanga City police and Joint Task Group Zamboanga raided Pingli’s alleged hideout in Landang Laum on Sacol Island at around 4:30 a.m. Friday.
“The suspect may have sensed the arrival of the operatives and escaped to Basilan,” Muyuela said.
The raiding team recovered from Pingli’s hideout an M16A1 assault rifle with a loaded magazine.
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