Abu tagged in Palawan kidnapping nabbed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Abu Sayyaf member, tagged in the kidnapping of tourists in Palawan 11 years ago, was arrested near the central market in this city, intelligence and investigating police unit said yesterday.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the suspect as Isnajir Sakkam, alias Abu Fatima.

Members of the military intelligence and the CIDG arrested Sakkam Friday morning just a few meters away from the city police office.

Sakkam’s group seized at least 20 tourists, including three Americans from a resort in Palawan and brought them to Basilan.

Sakkam was also tagged in the kidnapping of six plantation workers of Golden Harvest in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan town in 2002.