Abu Sayyaf member in 2000 Basilan mass kidnapping falls

ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group tagged in the mass abduction of teachers and students 15 years ago was arrested Saturday in Isabela City, Basilan.

The suspect identified as Abdillah Asalin, alias Abs, was arrested at the Castillo Videoke Bar along Valderoza street in Barangay La Piedad.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Danilo Bucoy as amended by State Prosecutor Nestor Lazaro of National Capital Judicial Region branch 261 in Pasig City.

Joint police and military operatives cornered Asalin at the videoke bar at around 2:20 p.m.

Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office 9 said Asalin is one of the Abu Sayyaf Group members involved in the March 2000 mass abduction of teachers and students at the Tumahubong Claret School.

Among those seized was Father Rhoel Gallardo, who was later killed by the bandits along with three male teachers.