Abu bandit in 2000 Sipadan kidnapping falls

ZAMBONGA CITY - A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group tagged in high-profile kidnapping cases including the infamous Sipadan kidnapping, was arrested by the combined intelligence unit of the military and police on Wednesday morning in this city.

Col. Andrelino Colina, commander of the army’s Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ), identified the captured suspect as Abu Darren, a member of the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf group.

Colina said intelligence units of the military and the police were immediately deployed after Darren was spotted near the vicinity of a private wharf along the coastal hamlet, Sitio Baliwasan Seaside.

He said Darren was immediately arrested by the operatives at around 10:30 a.m.

Colina said that the suspect arrived in this city from Sulu on board a motorboat that landed in the private wharf.

He said Darren is the subject of a warrant of arrest under criminal case no. 330-2001 for murder issued by Judge Gregorio Palabrica of RTC 11th Judicial Region branch 34, Panabo, Davao City. The case stemmed from the Abu Sayyaf group's failed attempt to raid the Pearl Farm Resort in Davao province in 2001.

He said Darren is also suspected of having involvement in the Sipadan kidnapping in 2000.