Wanted Abu bandit nabbed in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An alleged Abu Sayyaf bandit wanted for murder and kidnapping has been arrested in Sulu, the military reported yesterday.

Fahar Ismael, alias Putoh Taron, was arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Timbangan, Indanan town on Wednesday, according to Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of Joint Task Force Sulu.

Ismael was wanted for his alleged participation in the kidnapping of an engineer and a Taiwanese national in November 2013. 

The military said the suspect also has a standing arrest warrant for murder.

Meanwhile, the military’s intensified checkpoint operation resulted in the arrest of seven persons for illegal possession of firearms in Lugus town on Friday.

Police and military soldiers manning the checkpoint recovered six rifles, a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition from the suspects.