photo: CIDG
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a 52-year old former member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who was tagged in several high-profile kidnapping activities in Basilan and nearby areas, in an operation in Zamboanga City.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said suspect Abu Raba was caught after 15 years of playing hide and seek with law enforcement agencies that have been hunting him down for his role not only in kidnapping but also in cases extortion, terrorism and attacks on government troops.
“He is one of the suspects who was allegedly involved in a number of notorious kidnapping and serious illegal detention incidents in Basilan,” said Torre.
“He was allegedly involved in the Golden Harvest kidnapping incident in Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan in 2001, as well as extortion, armed encounters, killings and ambuscades of military forces in Basilan, which sow fear and terror in the communities,” he added.
After the arrest warrant was issued in 2009, Abu Raba started hiding and frequently changed and transferred residence from Basilan to other islands of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Zamboanga Region to evade arrest.
Based on background investigation, Raba was under the command of Basilan-based ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon.
Torre said Raba was captured on Monday, March 31, in Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City, by combined forces from the police, military and intelligence community.
“With this arrest, we helped the victims attain the justice they all deserved.Let this serve as a warning to all wanted persons and fugitives—your free days are numbered. The CIDG will find you wherever you are,” said Torre.
The ASG gained notoriety since the 1990s for its involvement in high-profile kidnap-for-ransom activities, beheading of its kidnapped victims and even bombing activities.
The group, however, became insignificant after the death of its leaders, including its founder Abdurajak Janjalani and his brother Khadaffy.