Arrested Abu Sayyaf member gave vital info on group's plan –officials

Authorities on Thursday said the suspected Abu Sayyaf member arrested in Bohol had given them vital information regarding the group's plan in the province.

The suspect was identified as Saad Samad Kiram, 36, a resident of Tulayan, Luuk, Sulu. He was nabbed around 7 a.m. in Barangay Tanawan, Tubigon, Bohol, by the combined police, military, and village security forces.

"When asked, Samad volunteered valuable informations about their plan, composition and capabilities. His revelations confirm [sic] the dissolution of the threat in the Province of Bohol," a joint military-police statement said.

The statement was shared by Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Restituto Padilla.

It said Saad, weakened by hunger and exhaustion, was easily subdued by the arresting team who responded to the information provided by a tipster.

Seized in his possession are a cal. 45 pistol with two magazines, a hand grenade, a cellphone, and personal belongings.

It was Saad who was the subject of “rescue” operation by Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza and Abu Sayyaf member Renoor Lou Dongon. Nobleza and Dongon were arrested in April and are now detained in Camp Crame.

The Abu Sayyaf members, led by Abu Rami, arrived in Inabanga, Bohol on April 10. They clashed with military and police personnel the following day, resulting in the killing of Rami and five others. —Amita Legaspi/KBK, GMA News