Suspects in kidnapping of Sibugay mayor nabbed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Police and military operatives captured two suspects in the kidnapping of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay Mayor Gemma Adana before dawn yesterday.

Suspected kidnap gang leader Reme Sabtal, with the aliases of Mr. Suave and Commander Agila, and his cohort, Ronnie Sabtal, were collared at their hideout in Sitio Looc in Barangay Kaliantana before 4 a.m., said Superintendent William Gadayan, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Public Safety Company chief.

Backed up by members of the 44th Infantry Battalion, 17th Special Forces Company and intelligence units, Gadayan‘s  team led the operations.

Gadayan said Sabtal has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

Zamboanga Sibugay police director Senior Superintendent Celso Bael said authorities also recovered several high-powered guns, assorted military uniforms and illegal drug paraphernalia.

Adana, who was kidnapped at her house on April 6, was turned over to the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

Police are also investigating the involvement of Sabtal’s group in the kidnapping of Australian Warren Richard Rodwell in Ipil town in December 2011. Warren was released after the supposed payment of ransom.