GOVERNMENT security forces have arrested a fifth member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in the kidnapping of plantation workers 16 years ago in Basilan province, an official announced Wednesday.
Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the ASG member as Mudrim Isnani alias Asawad, 39.
Galvez said Isnani was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the village of Sangali, east of Zamboanga City.
Galvez said Isnani was arrested after it was reported he was seen in Sangali.
She said Isnani has standing warrants of arrest for eight counts kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by the court in Isabela City, Basilan province.
He was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of workers on June 11, 2001 at the Golden Harvest Plantation in the village of Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan.
Isnani is the fifth ASG member involved in the kidnapping of plantation workers arrested in the city since January 1.
The four others were: Emran Ismael, Bryan Mohammad, Puyat Saiyadi and Faizal Sariul.
Ismael and Mohammad were arrested on January 12 at a shopping mall along La Purisima Street, Zone III, Zamboanga City.
Saiyadi was arrested on January 17 at Plaza Pershing along I. Magno Street in downtown Zamboanga City.
Sariul was arrested on January 19 at Calle Real, Mercedes, also in Zamboanga City.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits have executed by beheading some of the hostages while the others have either escaped or were rescued by pursuing military forces. (SunStar Philippines)