Alleged Abu Sayyf Group member Salahuddin Alpin stands beside a police officer at the Souther Police District. Alipin was arrested in Parañaque City after hiding for over 13 years. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOUTHERN POLICE DISTRICT
MANILA, Philippines —A purported member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has been arrested in Parañaque City, putting an end to a more than 13-year stint in hiding, reports the Southern Police District (SPD) on Friday.
Police identified the suspect as Salahuddin Alpin, also known as Almad Pantangan y Tawasil, 38. He was nabbed at the Marina Bay South Shore Project on Jackson Avenue in Barangay Don Galoat at about 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. He is working as a construction worker there, according to authorities.
Police said they served a warrant of arrest on Alpin for murder and attempted murder. The arrest warrant was issued on July 23, 2009, by Judge Gregorio dela Peña III of Regional Trial Court Branch 12 in Zamboanga City.
“The accused was an ASG member … involved in kidnapping and extortion activities linked with Gapar Pingli and hiding for more than 13 years,” the SPD said in a statement.
Police also said they found a .45 caliber pistol Firestorm Contender, one .45 Caliber magazine with 8 live ammunition, and one hand grenade from the suspect’s backpack during a search.
The SPD said Alpin has since been placed under the custody of its District Special Operations Unit “pending the issuance of commitment order from the court of origin.”
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