Security forces nab suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit in QC

Government security forces arrested on Wednesday in Quezon City a suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit facing kidnapping charges in Basilan, the spokesperson for the National Police said. In a text message, Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. identified the suspected bandit as Patta Hoyoy Jahal alias Abu Najer, who was nabbed by elements of the Philippine Air Force and the Quezon City Police District in Barangay Culiat in Tandang Sora around 1 p.m. Wednesday. Jahal was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Leo Principe of the Basilan Regional Trial Court Branch 1, Cruz added. The suspect is allegedly involved in two separate kidnapping incidents in Basilan that took place in June 2001 — the siege of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan town and the attack on the Dr. Torres Hospital in Lamitan town. (See: Abu Sayyaf kidnappings, bombings and other attacks) Jahal is currently facing seven cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention before the Basilan court, according to Cruz. Jahal’s arrest came hours after the military and the police announced that they are maintaining their troops on the highest alert status following the foiled terror attack on the United States over the weekend. (See: AFP, PNP on high alert in Metro Manila after warnings on terror attacks) The Abu Sayyaf, allegedly linked to al-Qaeda terror network, is largely blamed for various kidnap-for-ransom and bombing incidents not only in Mindanao in southern Philippines, but also in Metro Manila. — with Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMANews.TV