MANILA, Philippines — An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group was arrested in Quiapo, Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Tuesday.
In a report, the NCRPO identified the suspect as Muktar Yusop Maani. He was arrested in an apartment building along De Guzman St. Barangay 393 Quiapo, Manila on March 2. His arrest was authorized by the court for the crime of kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention.
According to the NCRPO, Maani was involved in the kidnapping of six members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses at Patikul, Sulu on August 20, 2002.
READ: NBI nabs 3 suspected ASG men in 2002 kidnap of Jehovah’s Witnesses members
READ: ASG man tagged in 2002 Jehovah Witnesses’ kidnapping arrested
The NCRPO also said that the suspect was an active member of the Abu Sayyaf operating in Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Metro Manila.
Maani was brought to the Anti-Terrorism Task Group (ATTG) Regional Intelligence Division (RID) for proper disposition, documentation, and temporary detention at its custodial facility, police said.
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