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| Southeast Asia |
| PNP arrests suspected top Abu Sayyaf leader |
| 2002-10-19 |
| President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday announced the arrest of a key leader of the Abu Sayyaf bandits who was involved in the series of bombings in Metro Manila last Dec. 30, 2000. Philippine National Police Intelligence Group Director Jaime Caringal identified the suspect as Mark Bolkerin Gumbahale, 21. Only 21 years old and already he's cutting people's heads off. What a precocious lad... He was arrested in Maharlika Village in Taguig last Oct. 17. Caringal said Gumbahale admitted during interrogation that he was involved in the Dec. 30 bombings that left some 18 people killed and more than 60 others injured two years ago. When he was 19... The intelligence official said Gumbahale admitted his involvement in the bomb explosions in Dusit Hotel and at the Petron Gas station in Makati City; at a bus in Cubao, Quezon City; and the LRT station in Blumentritt in Sta. Cruz, Manila. "Ow! Don't hit me there anymore! I dunnit!" He was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ernesto Gutierrez of the Sulu Regional Trial Court Branch 4 for two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Caringal said Gumbahale is an active member of the Abu Sayyaf and was one of the close henchmen of slain ASG spokesman Aldam Tilao. He was also known to be a firearm specialist and has a reward of P5 million for his capture. Somebody's buying the beer tonight... He was charged for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, together with Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot and other ASG leaders and members for the abduction of 21 tourists, including two Filipinos, in an island resort in Sipadan, Malaysia. He was also allegedly involved in the abduction of students in Lamitan and teachers in Malamawi, Basilan in 1999. He was also among those who ambushed and beheaded seven soldiers and two Army officers in Cumalang, Basilan. Police said Gumbahale’s group was also responsible for beheading two civilian hostages who failed to pay ransom to the Abu Sayyaf. That's the way you can tell if they're Islamists... Thanks to Steve, who appears to be working weekends... |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |