Suspected Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in hospital

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —  An Abu Sayyaf member, tagged in various kidnapping incidents, was arrested Saturday inside a hospital in Jolo, Sulu while two of his companions escaped, a security official said.

Police intelligence unit operatives of Jolo Municipal Police Station tracked down and arrested Kadaffy Kamsa about 5:20 p.m. on Saturday while confined inside the Integrated Provincial Health Office hospital in Barangay Asturias.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu said Kamsa's companions, identified as Badong Kamsa and Nixon Manda, however, escaped after sensing police operatives in area.

He said Kamsa, a suspect in the kidnapping of two Malaysians among other victims, was confined in the hospital after he was involved in a vehicular accident.

The police and military forces have been monitoring hospitals for possible presence of Abu Sayyaf members wounded in previous military operations.

Government forces have also tightened security of medical practitioners who might be held captive by the terror group and brought to the jungle to help attend wounded militant members.