NBI arrests Martin Burnham guard, another ASG suspect

Two suspected members of Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), one of whom reportedly participated in the abduction of American missionary Martin Burnham in 2001, have been arrested by National Bureau of Investigation agents in Zamboanga City.

NBI counterterrorism chief Raul Manguera identified the suspects as Hood Abdullah and Jimmy Bla.

Abdullah was working as a security guard at Idol Motel on Gov. Ramos Avenue in Barangay Sta. Maria when arrested on Feb. 27.

Bla, who posed as a fisherman, was nabbed the next day at Barangay Rio in Boggok, Sta. Catalina.

According to NBI intelligence, Abdullah, known as Jiking, worked as an “inner guard” for the terror group and served under Abu Sayyaf leader Abdul Sahiron.

Quoting a witness, the NBI said Burnham, who later died during the military’s rescue operation, was always seen handcuffed to Jiking to prevent his escape.

Burnham was kidnapped in the posh Palawan resort of Dos Palmas with his wife, Gracia, and several others in 2001.

The couple was held by the bandits for at least a year. —Aie Balagtas See