Abu Sayyaf member in bombing, abduction arrested in Manila

Updated (4:00 p.m.)

MANILA, Philippines – An alleged Abu Sayyaf member wanted for kidnapping and illegal detention was arrested at Ermita, Manila, Sunday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Tuesday.

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde announced on Tuesday that Abdurahman Mataud Daiyung, also called “Biznar Salabudin” and “Abu Talha,” was arrested at 9:45 a.m. in a manhunt operation conducted by joint forces from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the military.

Daiyung was wanted for his involvement in the Kidapawan Bus Terminal bombing last Oct. 10, 2002, that killed seven people and wounded 24 others, police said.

Abdurahman Mataud Daiyung

The suspect was also allegedly involved in the kidnapping of 15 employees of Golden Harvest Plantation in Basilan Province on June 11, 2001.

The PNP said Daiyung was a member of the Abu Sayyaf group once led by Isnilon Hapilon.

Daiyung was collared through a warrant of arrest issued by a Regional Trial Court in Basilan, police said.

NCRPO chief Guillermo Eleazar said Daiyung has been in Manila for only a few months and has been working as a welder.

“We are not clear yet as to his purpose here but clearly he is one among the suspects and responsible in the bus terminal bombing,” Eleazar said in the press briefing.

He added that Daiyung’s capture was an “offshoot” of the arrest of one of his cohorts last December. /cbb