Abu Sayyaf suspect falls in Zamboanga City

A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group allegedly involved in the kidnapping of six members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2002 has been arrested by elements of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Zamboanga City, a military spokesperson said Thursday. Air Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Gerardo Zamudio Jr. said in a statement that Burrong Rasul Barro alias “Abu Muhammad," a member of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, was arrested on Wednesday at a pier off Zamboanga City. The suspect was arrested after disembarking a ferry which came from Basilan. Barro was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Toribio Ilao of the Regional Trial Court Branch 266 in Pasig City for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges, Zamudio said. Barro was allegedly involved in the August 2002 kidnapping of six members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and their Muslim guides in Patikul, Sulu in southern Philippines. Two of the kidnap victims were later beheaded, while the remaining victims were later rescued or escaped. Zamudio said Barro, who carried a reward of P350,000 for his arrest, was to be committed to a local court. Authorities have blamed the Abu Sayyaf for various kidnapping and bombing activities in Metro Manila and southern Philippines. — with Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMANews.TV