Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in bombing, kidnapping cases nabbed by NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested six alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, who were reportedly involved in kidnapping and bombing incidents.

Agents arrested Azmier Maalum alias Totong Aling and his alleged coddler Amara Assan alias Abu Sonny and Abubakar in Taguig City on May 16.

Both were wanted in connection with the 2001 Golden Harvest kidnapping case in Basilan, the NBI said.

On the other hand, Musa Tahil Sampang alias Hadji Ramon Gonzales and Hadji Butah was arrested at a fast food restaurant in Balanga City, Bataan on May 20 after Assan supposedly revealed he was hiding in the city.

The NBI said Sampang was also allegedly involved in a kidnapping incident and "several bombings" in Basilan.

A Zamboanga City court has ordered that the three men be brought to court for their subsequent transfer to the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center, the NBI said.

The three other alleged Abu Sayyaf members—Jamil Ibrahim alias Malangka Dawasa; Yong Aming alias Jamal Taib; and Majuk Tahil Amil alias Enjie and Ejemal—were arrested in Zamboanga City, where they were reported to have been hiding.

Ibrahim and Aming are the subject of warrants of arrest for kidnapping and illegal detention also in connection with the Golden Harvest kidnapping case, while Amil is wanted for the 2002 Jehovah's Witnesses kidnapping case in Patikul, Sulu, the bureau said.

The NBI said it has arrested nine Abu Sayyaf members since January this year. —NB, GMA News