Abu Sayyaf tagged in kidnapping of priest nabbed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines- - A suspected Abu Sayyaf member, tagged in the kidnapping of a catholic priest, was captured by the combined military and police forces in Basilan Sunday night, according to an official.

The suspect  has been identified as Imam Bakal alias Abubakar Bakkang, who has standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping with serious illegal detention, according to Capt. Rowena Muyuella, spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

She said the suspect was tagged to be involved in the kidnapping of Fr. Cerilo Nacorda sometime in June 1994 when the priest was abducted while 15 other commuters were executed somewhere along the highway of Barangay Matarling, Isabela City.

The military said the suspect was also tagged to have participated in the ambush on the marines who were checking on the possible presence of abducted Italian priest Fr. Giancarlo Bossi in 1997 in Al-Barka town. At least 14 of the marines were beheaded and mutilated by the attackers.

Muyuella said combined army troopers and police forces captured Bakal about 9 p.m along the waters of Maluso town following a pursuing operation.

The captured suspect was turned over to the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for proper filing of charges,  Muyuella added.