3 Abu Sayyaf members captured

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Three members of the Abu Sayyaf, one of them tagged as one of the extremist group’s demolition experts, have been arrested, the military said yesterday.

The most senior of those arrested, Samer Kangal Lanjang, was captured the other day in a raid on a slum area in Barangay Talon-Talon here, Armed Forces chief Gen. Narciso Abaya said.

Lanjang is believed to have taken part in the abduction of three Americans — couple Martin and Gracia Burnham and Guillermo Sobero — and 18 others from a Palawan resort in 2001. Sobero was beheaded, while Martin was killed in a military rescue.

Lanjang has also been linked to the abduction of 15 coconut farmers in Lantawan, Basilan and the kidnapping and massacre of 15 villagers, also in Lantawan, the military said.

Another Abu Sayyaf member, Almasul Ibba Mawadi, was arrested on a Tawi-Tawi islet, near the Malaysian border, last July 23, Navy chief Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon said.

Mawadi is suspected of involvement in the abduction of 21 Westerners, Malaysians and Filipinos from the Malaysian resort island of Sipadan in 2000. Most of the hostages were recovered from Sulu after ransom was reportedly paid.

Mawadi is said to be a trusted man of jailed Abu Sayyaf leader Nadzmie Saabdullah, alias Commander Global.

The military is also looking into reports that Mawadi facilitated the escape of Abu Sayyaf members to Malaysia and the entry of Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists through the southern backdoor.

Lt. Gen. Roy Kyamko, chief of the Armed Forces’ Southern Command, said Mawadi’s arrest was covered by a court warrant. No bail was recommended for him.

The third suspected Abu Sayyaf member, Alsen Balitung Jandul, was arrested in Indanan, Sulu last July 15, De Leon said.

Jandul is believed to be a demolition expert and video cameraman of the extremist group.

The military said the three suspects were presented only yesterday after undergoing tactical interrogation by naval intelligence and Marine forces.

Both Washington and Manila have linked the Abu Sayyaf to the al-Qaeda terror network of Osama bin Laden. — With AFP