Suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber captured

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Government security forces captured late Sunday a suspected al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf urban terrorist squad member tagged to have participated in the bombing attacks in this southern port city, which killed a dozen people, including a US serviceman, almost four years ago, official said.

Alex Kahal, alias Alex Alvarez, a subleader of the Abu Sayyaf’s urban terrorist group (UTG) was captured after he attempted to blow a raiding combined security forces at the boundary of Barangay Recodo and Barangay Ayala, 15 kilometers west of this city at about 4:45 p.m.

"The troops fired at the suspect, hitting him in the leg," newly installed Anti-Terror Task Force Zamboanga chief Col. Edgardo Gidaya.

The combined task force, military intelligence, and police captured the wounded suspect as he tried to escape. He was reportedly found in possession of a live fragmentation grenade.

Initial interrogation disclosed that Kahal reportedly tagged as one of those involved in the bombing attacks in Malagutay in October 2002, which killed three people.

The military disclosed that Kahal was tagged also in the simultaneous bombings of Shop O’ rama, and Shopper’s Central on Oct. 17 and a week later at the Fort Pilar Shrine.

The series of attacks left 12 people killed and wounded more than 70 others.

Armed Forces Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza said the suspect was positively identified. Based on tactical interrogation, Kahal was involved in the mass hostage taking of teachers and students in Punoh Mahaji mountain peak of Sumisip, Basilan in March 2000.

He was also tagged in the August 2000 abduction of Afro-American Jeffrey Edwards Craig Schilling, who managed to escape after months in captivity.

Braganza said Kahal was also reportedly part of the 15-man demolition team that trained in Barangay Usao, Patikul, Sulu where one of his classmates was Abu Kosovo.

Kosovo, who was arrested and jailed in Manila, was among those killed in a failed jailbreak in Bicutan.

Kahal remained under military detention while undergoing tactical interrogation to determine his other connections and possible mission. — Cecille Suerte Felipe, AP, AFP