2 Dos Palmas raiders fall

GOVERNMENT security forces have arrested two al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandits involved in the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnapping in a remote village in Zamboanga del Norte, a top military official said Thursday.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped 21 people, including three Americans, from Dos Palmas resort in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on May 27, 2001 and herded the hostages to Basilan province.

Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Army’s First Infantry Division commander, identified the arrested Abu Sayyaf bandits as Jojo Imam Pai and a certain Aling.

The two were arrested in Sitio Bukana, Usukan village, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte around 10:40 p.m. Wednesday on the strength of warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention by the 101st Infantry Brigade troops.

The two Abu Sayyaf members were arrested following intelligence information about their presence in the village of Usukan, Labason town, Cruz said.

“This success show that we are of help to the PNP (Philippine National Police) in their implementation of law enforcement,” Cruz said, as he commended the troops involved in the apprehension of the two militants.

“Let’s continue these bayanihan efforts together with other sectors of the society to achieve long and lasting peace and development in our communities. We need to win the peace for the safety and well-being and the attainment of a quality and progressive life for the Filipino people,” Cruz added.

The Dos Palmas kidnapping resulted in the death of five hostages, including two Americans, namely: Guillermo Sobero and Martin Burnham, a missionary.

Burnham’s wife, Gracia, survived though wounded when rescued by military forces.

The other hostages were either released or have escaped during clashes with pursuing troops.

Cruz said the arrested militants were taken to Zamboanga City for custodial debriefing and proper disposition. (Bong Garcia)