Abu Sayyaf in massacre of Basilan rubber plantation workers nabbed

MANILA, Philippines – A suspected Abu Sayyaf Group member tagged in the 2001 kidnapping and massacre case in Lamitan, Basilan was arrested Friday in Zamboanga City, a Philippine National Police official said.

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said Jailani Basirul a.k.a. Bas, or Angkig was arrested by authorities along Valderoza Street in Zamboanga City around 7 a.m. by virtue of two warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Authorities are investigating Basirul’s possible involvement in the kidnapping and massacre of Tahiran Rubber Plantation workers in Lamitan Basilan in 2001.

A P600,000 reward money was put up for his arrest, Cerbo said, adding that Basirul is temporarily detained at Region 9’s Regional Intelligence Unit office for debriefing and proper disposition.