GOVERNMENT security forces have arrested a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader who was implicated in the 2007 ambush and beheading of Marine soldiers in Basilan province.

Superintendent Jose Bayan Gucela, spokesman of the Zamboanga Peninsula Police Office (ZPPO), identified the arrested MILF leader as Hassan Asnawi, also known as Dan Laksaw and Abu Manzin.

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Gucela said Asnawi is the deputy commander of the MILF's 114th Base Command.

He said Asnawi was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Zamboanga International Airport on the strength of warrant of arrest issued by a Basilan court.

Gucela said Asnawi was arrested while he was about to board a commercial flight bound for Manila from Zamboanga City.

He added that the arresting team proceeded to Zamboanga International Airport following receipt of report that Asnawi was seen in the vicinity of the airport.

Asnawi is among the 130 MILF rebels charged in court for the July 10, 2007 ambush and beheading of 14 Marine soldiers in Basilan.

Ten of the 14 slain Marines were beheaded when recovered from the ambush site. (Bong Garcia)