A report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer cited a report to officials including Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. indicating Filipinos are among the Southeast Asians being lured to conflict zones in the Middle East. Some Islamic militants are home-grown, just like the Abu Sayyaf (in photo), who have links with al-Qaeda terrorists. (Photo from http://vkb.isvg.org/Wiki/Groups/Abu_Sayyaf_Group_(ASG))
MANILA, Oct 20 (Mabuhay) — An Abu Sayyaf member with a P600,000 bounty on his head was arrested Wednesday by government security forces in a manhunt operation in Maluso, Basilan.
A news release from the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Thursday said Ibrahim Akbar, also known as Ustadz Atti Lintogan, Ustadz Atti, or Ustadz Namir, was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant.
Akbar is facing charges of multiple murder with multiple frustrated murder.
CIDG Region 9 chief Senior Superintendent Anthony Aberin said Akbar was involved in a bombing attack in Kidapawan City in 2006, and the abduction of Spanish priest Bernardo Blanco in 1993. He was also allegedly involved in a firefight against military troops in 1982 in Basilan.
Elements of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police Special Action Force, and Maluso Municipal Police joined the CIDG in the manhunt operation.
The Abu Sayyaf is a loosely organized band of Islamic fundamentalists operating in Basilan and Sulu and is known to conduct bombing and kidnapping activities.
Meanwhile, the CIDG served four search warrants against against two members of a criminal group on Thursday morning in Maghayag, Zamboanga Del Sur.
Authorities identified the suspects as Julie Monsanto Lato and Rodrigo Monsanto Lato Jr., both alleged members of the Lato Gun-for-Hire Group.
The suspects will face charges in violation the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Illegal Possession of Explosives for possessing a hand grenade, shotgun, one caliber .45 pistol, magazines, and assorted ammunition. (MNS)