Filtered By: Topstories
News

MILF rebels face charges over Sinnott abduction


Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) accused of abducting Micheal Sinnott were slapped with criminal charges by a team that earlier conducted search and rescue operations for the Irish priest. Task Force Zebra of the Zamboanga del Sur Crisis Management Committee filed kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom against Saidamen Montaner, James Palwa, a certain Jimboy, and several John Does before the City Prosecutor's Office of Pagadian City on Friday. More members of the Muslim secessionist group are expected to face charges as investigation and "case build-up efforts" are underway to establish more evidence against MILF rebels believed involved in the kidnapping, according to Philippine National Police Director for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao Felizardo Serapio Jr. Among the MILF members being investigated by the police are: Commander Salip Aloy Alsree alias Puti Ulo; Nasser Macabato alias Commander Nasser Macari; Commander Latip Rajamuda alias Latip Jamat / Latip Tatutan; Waning Abdusalam alias Ustadz Waning; Putot Jakaria alias Ustadz Putot. Police records show Waning Abdusalam and Putot Jakaria have standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the June 2007 kidnapping of Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi. Serapio said Task Force Zebra had already sent invitation letters to the said MILF personalities to present themselves for investigation and shed light on the October 11 abduction of Sinnott. Verzosa said that despite the release of Sinnot early this week, pursuit and manhunt operations would continue against those believed to be responsible for the kidnapping. A case conference led by officers from the PNP is now being held in Zambonga City as part of the continuing investigation into Sinnott's abduction. Among the participants in the conference are Serapio, PNP chief, Director Gen. Jesus Versoza; PNP Director for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao Felizardo Serapio Jr; and Region 9 police director, Chief Supt Angelo Sunglao. Officials of the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Intelligence Group, Crime Laboratory, Task Force Zebra, AFP Western Mindanao Command, and the Zamboanga del Sur Crisis Management Committee chaired by Gov Aurora Cerilles also attended the conference. - GMANews.TV

LOADING CONTENT