Suspected Abu Sayyaf in Basilan kidnappings nabbed in Taguig

MANILA, Philippines—A suspected member of bandit group Abu Sayyaf tagged in three several kidnapping cases in Basilan was arrested in Taguig City early Friday, police said.

Senior Superintendent Roberto Fajardo identified the arrested suspect as Suhod Salasim who was arrested at apartment No. 3 in Tawi-Tawi Street in Maharlika Village, Taguig City around 6:20 a.m. by virtue of three arrest warrants.

Fajardo said Salasim was tagged in the June 2001 hostage-taking incident at the Golden Harvest Plantation situated along Barangay (village) Tairan in Lantawan, Basilan, where among the hostages held captive for four months was a 14-year-old boy.

Salasim was also wanted for the kidnapping of nurses when the group raided the Dr. Jose Torres Memorial Hospital in Lamitan City on June 2011, as well as for the kidnapping and illegal detention of teachers and students at the Claret High Shool in Barangay (village) Tumahubong in Sumisip, Basilan.

Salasim, who worked under the command of former ASG sub-leader Suhod Tanadjalin, was also found in possession of two cartridges for 40-millimeter (M203) and one MK2 grenade.

Fajardo said the suspect would be charged with violation of PD 1866 as amended by RA 9516, or the Illegal Possession of Explosives.