PNP-CIDG nabs most wanted ASG gunman
A PHILIPPINE National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) counter-terror operation in Jolo, Sulu, early morning Wednesday led to the capture of a most wanted Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader known for his involvement in a series of atrocities in Mindanao, a report to PNP chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. said.
PNP-CIDG Director Brig. Gen. Ronald O. Lee said the suspect with the alias “Basaron Arok” was tracked down in his hiding place in Barangay San Raymundo in the Walled City of Jolo at 6:19 a.m. Wednesday following weeks of surveillance.
“We have captured another most wanted terrorist in Mindanao in the wake of our stepped-up effort to account for the country’s most wanted persons on orders of Gen. Azurin,” said the official.
Members of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 9’s Basulta Field Unit, led by Maj. William Maisog and Senior Master Sergeant Rogelio Hortillas Jr. arrested the suspect on the strength of a warrant of arrest for kidnapping-for-ransom, homicide, and murder issued by the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi Regional Trial Courts.
No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the Patikul, Sulu native, said the official.
According to Lee, his men were supported by operatives from the 7th Special Action Battalion (SAB) of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) and the Jolo Municipal Police Station in serving the warrant of arrest against the suspect.
The PNP-CIDG director said the suspect is a known “sub-leader” of the Patikul-based Abu Sayyaf Group/Daulah Islamiyah wanted for their role in a series of kidnapping-for-ransom and bombing incidents in Sulu and other parts of Mindanao.
His co-accused include known Abu Sayyaf leaders Radulan Sahiron alias “Commander Putol”, alias “Tuan”, Alhabsy Misaya, alias “Jihad Susukan”, and Jaber Susukan.
Officers equipped with body-worn cameras placed the suspect under arrest after apprising him of his constitutional rights, specifically the Miranda Rights and the Anti-Torture Law.
Lee said that the suspect is now being held at the 7th SAB of the PNP-SAF under Brig. Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo for security purposes pending his presentation to the court.
