Zambo cops arrest 2 suspected Abus
The suspected Abu Sayyaf members were positively identified by two witnesses as involved in the mass abduction of plantation workers. File photo
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Police operatives arrested two suspected Abu Sayyaf members tagged in the mass abduction of farmers in Basilan, Friday night inside a mall in this city, according to official.
Apprehended were Emran Sanduyugan Ismael also known as "Bantong Basinti" and "Bantong Basiri," and Bryan Ismail Mohammad alias "Pojong Attiun."
Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, director of Police Regional Police Office 9, said the two suspects were cornered by the Regional Intelligence Unit 9 and police officers of the Police Station 11 about 9:15 p.m. inside a mall in La Purisima.
Beltran said the two suspects were believed to be looking for possible targets.
He said Ismael and Mohammad were charged with seven counts of kidnappings and serious illegal detention in connection with the abduction of seven plantation workers of Golden Harvest at Barangay Tairan, Lantawan town, Basilan on June 11, 2001.
During the abduction, at least five kidnap victims were beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf group. The decapitated heads were dumped in a rubber plantation at Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan.
Beltran said the suspects were positively identified by two witnesses under the Witness Security and Benefit Program of the Department of Justice.
The two suspects were placed under temporary detention of the regional intelligence unit undergoing tactical debriefing to determine the purpose of the two suspects for coming to the city.
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