Abu tagged in Spanish priest’s kidnap nabbed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Joint security forces arrested on Wednesday a suspected Abu Sayyaf member tagged in the kidnapping of a Spanish priest. 

Ibrahim Akbar, with aliases of Ustadz Atti Lintogan, Ustadz Atti and Ustadz Namir, was collared in Maluso, Basilan.

Akbar’s arrest was based on a warrant for multiple murder and frustrated murder issued by a local court.  

The Basilan police said Akbar was tagged in the kidnapping of Fr. Bernardo Blanco in 2003 and the bombing in Kidapawan City in 2006. 

Akbar, who has a P600,000 bounty on his head, was also reportedly involved in an encounter with government troops in Basilan in 1982.