Sayyaf man linked to Sipadan kidnapping falls

AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group linked to the Sipadan kidnapping in 2000 was arrested in Zamboanga City Wednesday morning, the military said.

Nabil Tahali Idjiran alias Abu Darren was arrested in Baliwasan at around 10:30a.m. by government forces, said Colonel Adrelino Colina, commander of Task Force Zamboanga.

Idjiran has warrant of arrest for kidnapping and murder cases — one in Sipadan and the other in a bungled kidnapping in 2001 at farm in Davao.

In Sipadan, Tahali and other bandits kidnapped 21 people- 19 European and Malaysians and two Filipinos. The victims were brought to Sulu and were held for five months in exchange of ransom. In Davao, two staffs were killed when the ASG stormed the resort but later fled without taking anyone.

Colina said Idjiran disguised as a fish vendor, adding that if there are no operations the ASG tries to make a living.

“Ang mga ito can always disguise as fish vendor or anything else, sya he was, nung nandun sya parang mailap din e, medyo he was trying to not to make himself very identifiable e, he wore a hat and he tried to cover his face,” Colina said.

Idjiran was only by himself and was unarmed during the arrest and he did not resist the authorities, Colina said.

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