Ranking Abu Sayyaf official arrested in Zamboanga

MANILA, Philippines—Another ranking official of the Abu Sayyaf terror group has been arrested in Zamboanga City, bringing to three the number of arrested extremist leaders since last month, a Criminal Investigation and Detection Group official said Wednesday.

Abdulhan Ussih, a.k.a Jeron, 28, of Vajada Meramar, Sinunoc, Zamboanga City, was arrested by authorities inside the Zamboanga Public Market around 6 p.m. Tuesday by virtue of an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, said Senior Superintendent Generoso Bonifacio, Region 9 CIDG chief.

Ussih, also known as “Black Tungkak”, was on the list of most wanted persons and had a P3.3 million bounty on his head.

CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said that Ussih was the third Abu Sayaff member arrested following the capture of Harun Jaljalis, alias Abu Indal, in Basilan last January 26 and Sonny Bakim Barahim, alias Abu Ismael, of Isabela City, Basilan last January 17.

Bonifacio said that Ussih was a sub-commander of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron a.k.a Putol in Sulu.

He said that from 2001 to 2003, Ussih served as the liaison of the terrorist group to those providing them with food supplies.

Ussih is now under the custody of the CIDG in Zamboanga City, he said.