Military intelligence agents captured a suspected member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group during an operation in Isabela City in Basilan last week, belated reports said. In a report to General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Maj. Gen. Trifonio Salazar, 1st Infantry Division commander, identified the alleged ASG member as Sonny Boy Hamsain, native of Basilan.
Salazar said government troops led by 2Lt. Allan Mangaser and 2Lt. Mark Espiritu were conducting security operations at about 4 p.m. Wednesday when they apprehended Hamsain. Salazar said Hamsain was reportedly employed at Basilan Dock Handlers Corp. at the Port Area in Isabela, but that was just a cover: he was allegedly also designated collector for the group of Khadaffy Janjalani since he joined the ASG sometime in 1992.
| Collectors pick up the protection money... |
Janjalani was accused of a series of kidnappings, mostly victimizing foreigners in Basilan where he operates. But during interrogation, Hamsain denied participation in any crime.
| "Y'got nuttin' on me, coppers! Da witnesses is all dead!" |
Lt. Col. Joselito Kakilala, Army spokesman, said Hamsain is also included on the national list of âmost wantedâ and a monetary cash reward of P300,000 is in fact offered for his capture. âHe is charged with criminal cases ... with the offense of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, issued by the Presiding Judge Danilo Bucoy of RTC 9, Branch 2, in Isabela City, Basilan,â Kakilala said in a statement. Authorities said Hamsain was being interrogated at the headquarters of 24th Special Company before turnover to the Isabela Police Station.
| "Ooch! Ouch! Hey! Put that down! It's attached to me!" |
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