Suspect in Sulu videoke bar blast arrested

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Marines and police captured one of the suspects in the March 1 bombing of a videoke bar near the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Brigade in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu, officials said yesterday.

The suspect, identified as Rening Kamlong Sabdani, 39, alias Ka Rening Asmaruddin, a resident of Indanan town, was captured Saturday night in another videoke bar also near the Marine camp.

It was not immediately known if the suspect was casing another target.

During his interrogation at the 3rd Marine Brigade headquarters, Sabdani was positively identified by one of the six bombing victims, including two Army personnel.

Presidential Assistant for Sulu Amilbahar Amilasan said Sabdani was formally turned over to the police for the proper filing of charges against him, while police and military continue their manhunt for his accomplices.

Amilasan said Jolo authorities are still checking if Sabdani belongs to an Abu Sayyaf band operating in Sulu. – Roel Pareño