PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group tagged in the abduction of bird watchers in 2012 was arrested Wednesday in Sulu, a Philippine National Police official said Thursday.
Police Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP-Public Information Office chief, identified the suspect as Haik Asgali alias Abu Aswad who was arrested in the vicinity of Marites Street, Barangay (village) San Raymundo, in Jolo.
Asgali allegedly led the ASG team in the kidnapping of two European birdwatchers in Tawi-Tawi in 2012.
He was also said to be serving as a trusted operative of alleged ASG leader Radullan Sahiron in Patikul, Sulu.
Sindac said Asgali was still under custodial debriefing while waiting to be transported to Zamboanga City.
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