2 Abu Sayyaf caught in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines — Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s Counter-Terrorism Division arrested two alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf terror group in separate operations in Pasay City, an official said yesterday.

Jamar “Bas” Ibi and Reden “Tamiya” Jamil were arrested at a market on Oct. 12 and 19, respectively, said NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor.

The suspects are the subjects of arrest warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the kidnapping of members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Patikul, Sulu in 2002.

Distor said an informant identified the two men from a photo lineup and confirmed that Ibi served as a perimeter guard to prevent the kidnap victims from escaping.

The NBI said it has captured more than 10 Abu Sayyaf members involved in the kidnapping since 2015.