Abu Sayyaf extremist arrested in Basilan
MANILA, Philippines—A suspected Abu Sayaff member tagged in the kidnapping of a Catholic priest nearly two decades ago was arrested in Basilan province Thursday afternoon, a Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) official said Friday.
Police Senior Superintendent Edgardo Danao said the suspect, identified as Jumli Orie Manjuri a.k.a Salam, was arrested in Barangay (village) Cabunbata, Isabela City in Basilan province around 12 noon Thursday by virtue of arrest warrants for kidnapping with frustrated murder and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
He is said to be one of the trusted men of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.
A P350,000 reward money was put up for Manjuri’s arrest, who is said to be among those who kidnapped Father Clemence William Bertlesman on July 31, 1994 in Jolo, Sulu, and in a clash sometime in 1998 in Lantawan, Basilan province wherein 14 members of Special Forces Operational Course were killed, Danao said.
On April 6, 2008, he said Manjuri also allegedly served as a “guide” in the ambush of three coconut farm worker in Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan, he said.
