By Nonoy Lacson
ZAMBOANGA CITY – An alleged bomb-making expert of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who was involved in the bombing at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City 13 years ago that also killed Basilan congressman Wahab Akbar, was arrested here Friday, June 19.
Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (ZCMFC) Commander Police Lt. Colonel Roland Barraquio announced the arrest of Kahar Indama, alias Khang, who was tagged in the bombing at the Batasan complex last November 13, 2007, which killed a total of six persons, and wounded 12 others.
Indama, a resident of Barangay Sangali here, is a cousin of Basilan-based senior ASG leader Furuji Indama.
Akbar was apparently the target of the bombing, which was carried out at 8:15 p.m. at the south wing of the complex, just when legislators were leaving after a session.
Marcial Taldo, driver of Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, also died in the attack, which was launched using an explosive device that was planted in a parked motorcycle.
Four others died due to injuries, while 12 were wounded, including Ilagan and Negros Oriental Rep. Pryde Henry Teves.
Barraquio said Indama was arrested by virtue of a search warrant issued for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Recovered from Indama were an improvised explosive device (IED), a hand grenade and
a loaded caliber-.38 revolver.
Indama was also reportedly involved in the ambush of elements of the Fourth Special Forces (SF) Company of the Philippine Army in 2007 that killed seven Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members, and a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs), and wounded of three Army officers, four enlisted personnel and a member of the Civilian Army Auxiliary (CAA).
Barraquio said Indama was currently in the custody of ZCMFC for proper disposition and documentation.