A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf has been arrested in Tondo, National Capital Region Police Office Director Guillermo Eleazar said on Saturday.
Eleazar identified the suspect as Sudais Asmad, 25, a native of Landang, Zamboanga del Sur who is residing at the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila.
Asmad, allegedly a follower of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Furuji Indama, was reportedly in Manila to receive financial support from sympathizers, and other unknown missions.
He was arrested for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges, Eleazar said.
Operatives of NCRPO’s Regional Special Operations Unit served the warrant of arrest against the suspect.
Police recovered a pistol, a magazine loaded with four live ammunition, and a chamber loaded with one live ammunition during the operation.
Eleazar said Asmad was part of the Abu Sayyaf group that kidnapped 15 employees of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan from June to October 2001.
One of the victims identified Asmad as one of the kidnappers and provided an affidavit on his involvement in the crime.
Asmad is also said to be a liaison and escort/guide of Balik Islam that was supposed to augment the local terrorist group under Isnilon Hapilon during the Marawi siege in May 2017.
The suspect is under the custody of the RSOU in Camp Bagong Diwa.
In addition to the kidnapping charges, Asmad will also face charges for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.