 Soldiers on Thursday captured an alleged Muslim extremist wanted by the Philippine and U.S. governments over the abduction of 20 people, including three Americans, from a resort nearly four years ago, the military said with evident glee. Toting Hanno, allegedly one of the Abu Sayyaf gunmen who raided the Dos Palmas resort in May 2001, was nabbed early Thursday at his hideout on Sacol island off the southern port city of Zamboanga, said Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza. Abu Sayyaf guerrillas beheaded Californian hostage Guillermo Sobero shortly after the resort raid. Another American captive, Kansas missionary Martin Burnham, died during a military rescue in June 2002. Burnham's wife, Gracia, was injured.
Braganza said the United States has offered a US$25,000 reward for Hanno, who faces the death penalty. A civilian informant led soldiers to Hanno's hideout, Braganza said. "For those who continue their nefarious activities, let this be a fair warning: there is no escape," Braganza said. |