MILF leader in Marines' beheading arrested

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested in Zamboanga City yesterday a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who was allegedly involved in the beheading of 10 Marines in Albarka, Basilan two years ago.

Director Felizardo Serapio, head of the PNP’s Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao, said Asnawi Addan Salah, commander of the MILF 114th Base Command, was nabbed by elements of the Western Mindanao Region Police Office and the Special Action Force at the Zamboanga International Airport at about 3 p.m.

“He was about to board a plane for Manila when he was arrested. He was recognized by people at the airport who called the police,” Serapio said.

Members of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) assisted police in arresting Salah.

Serapio said Salah was unarmed and alone when collared.

Salah was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued last July 9 for murder.

Police said Salah was among the 130 people charged in the July 10, 2007 killing of 14 Marines, 10 of whom were beheaded.

Salah is facing nine counts of murder and four counts of frustrated murder in Isabela City, Basilan.

Serapio said Salah was taken for questioning at Camp Colonel Romeo Abendan, headquarters of the Western Mindanao Regional Police Office. – Mike Frialde