Abu leader with P3.3-million bounty falls in Zamboanga

MANILA, Philippines – Government agents arrested a sub-commander of the Abu Sayyaf with a P3.3-million bounty during a raid in Zamboanga City on Tuesday night.

Abdulhan Ussih, alias Jeron, 28, became the third member of the Abu Sayyaf to be arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) this year.

Ussih, also known as Black Tungkang, was arrested by joint elements of the CIDG, 3rd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force, and the local police at the Zamboanga City public market by virtue of an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

He was a sub-commander of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron, alias Putol, in Sulu.

CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Ussih is the third Abu Sayyaf leader who fell into the hands of the joint PNP-CIDG-AFP operating units following the arrest of Harun Jaljalis, alias Abu Indal, in Basilan last Jan. 26 and Sonny Bakim Barahim, alias Abu Ismael, last Jan. 17.

Senior Superintendent Generoso Bonifacio, CIDG-Region 9 chief, said that from 2001 to 2003, Ussih served as the liaison officer of the terrorist group to those who provided them with food supplies.

Bonifacio added that Ussih was among the country’s most wanted and had a bounty of P3.3 million by virtue of the joint order of the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Ussih is now under the custody of the CIDG in Zamboanga City. – Non Alquitran, Roel Pareño