ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An Abu Sayyaf bandit tagged in the kidnapping of foreigners was arrested in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay on Monday.
Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry Battalion commander, said Maldimar Mahmor was collared at his safehouse in Barangay Madaup after a caliber .38 revolver, a hand grenade and ammunition were recovered during a raid on his house.
Mahmor admitted during tactical interrogation that he was among those who kidnapped 21 tourists at a resort in Sipadan, Malaysia in 2000.
“He currently serves as a liaison and facilitator in kidnappings in... Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur,” Templonuevo said.
The military said Mahmor was also behind the kidnapping of a former mayor of Naga town and a couple in Siocon last year.