Alleged Abu member arrested near Zambo airport

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Joint police and military intelligence personnel captured an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group near the Zamboanga International Airport yesterday, a security official said.

Muktar Ladjaperma, also known as Muktar, Tuan, Muks, and Ustadz Muktar, was arrested before 10 a.m. based on a warrant issued by Pasig Judge Toribio Ilao Jr.

Ladjaperma, who has been charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention, was tagged in the kidnapping of six members of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Patikul, Sulu in August 2002.

The victims – four women and four men – were peddling cosmetics when the militants took them. Two of the male victims were beheaded.

Police investigation showed that a P600,000 bounty was put up for Ladjaperma’s arrest.