Suspect in kidnappings of 2 Malaysians arrested in Jolo

Philippine security forces on Friday arrested a Filipino suspect in the kidnappings of two Malaysian hostages, one of whom was beheaded last month, officials said.

The suspect was arrested in a hospital on southern Jolo Island, said regional military commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado.

READ: Malaysian beheaded by Abu Sayyaf after kin failed to comply with ransom demand–military

Authorities in the Malaysian state of Sabah on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for the man, Kadaffy Muktadil, allegedly a member of the Abu Sayyaf extremist group, Arrojado said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak last month asked Philippine authorities to punish kidnappers who beheaded Malaysian Bernard Then Ted Fen.

Then was abducted with a compatriot, Thien Nyuk Fun, by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in May in Sabah and taken by boat to Sulu province, where Jolo is located. Thien was freed on Nov. 8 after a ransom was reportedly paid.

READ: Sabah hostage released by Abu Sayyaf gunmen

Muktadil was arrested in the hospital where he sought treatment for injuries from a motorcycle accident, Arrojado said. An informant tipped him off to authorities, he said.

The Abu Sayyaf also has been suspected in the kidnappings of two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipino from a marina in the south in September. Militants in an online video have demanded more than $60 million for the release of the three foreigners.