2 Abu Sayyaf suspects behind sea-jacking, kidnaps off Sabah, nabbed

Tawi-Tawi and Sabah map (Google maps)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two suspected Abu Sayyaf members were separately arrested in Tawi-Tawi on Thursday morning.

Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, commander of Joint Task Forces Tawi-Tawi and the trilateral maritime patrol INDOMALPHI (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines), confirmed the arrest of Ara Samindi in Lagaan Island in Taganak town, and Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Omar Harun alias Abu Halipa in Poblacion Taganak, also in Taganak.

Parcon said Samindi and Harun were connected to the Abu Sayyaf Group operating in Sulu.

Parcon said the two suspects were included in Malaysia’s 23 high-profile Abu Sayyaf Wanted List, and were involved in sea-jacking and kidnapping in the waters off Sabah and Tawi-Tawi.  SFM