Philippines arrests militant in American beheading

According to CIDG Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr., the transaction was disadvantageous to the government and caused a financial loss to the PNP as the purchased units were useless.

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine police have arrested a militant suspected of involvement in the beheading of an American tourist by the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group 11 years ago.

National police investigation chief Samuel Pagdilao says Alawie Pasihul was arrested Thursday in southern Zamboanga city near Basilan island where American Guillermo Sobero, two other Americans and 17 Filipinos were taken after they were abducted in May 2001 from a resort.

Militants beheaded Sobero. One of the Americans was killed during a military rescue.

Pagdilao said Saturday that Pasihul allegedly also was involved in a mass kidnapping of students and teachers in Basilan.

U.S.-backed offensives against the Abu Sayyaf have weakened the group. It continues ransom kidnappings to raise funds.