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2 suspected Abu Sayyaf members arrested in Taguig —police


Two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were arrested during a police operation in Taguig City on Saturday, the Southern Police District said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the SPD identified the suspects as Taupik Galbun or “Pa Wahid” and Saik Galbun or “Pa Tanda".

They were arrested by joint police operatives in Sitio Imelda, Upper Bicutan on Saturday evening.

The police said Taupik was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom. No bail was recommended.

Aside from this, there was another arrest warrant against him for a similar crime.

Taupik was allegedly an ASG member under the group of Basilan-based Isnilon Hapilon and Bakal Hapilon.

According to police, the suspect served as an outer guard for kidnap victims in Sulu and Basilan. He was also allegedly involved in the beheading of Primitivo Falcansantos, Crisanto Suela, and Guillermo Sobero.

The arrested suspect was also linked to the abduction of three teachers in Sacol Island, Zamboanga City during their return trip from work on January 23, 2009.

Aside from these, the SPD said Taupik was also being sought for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of six members of Jehovah’s Witness in August 20, 2002 in Patikul, Sulu. Two of the victims were beheaded while the four remaining victims were rescued by the military after weeks of operations, the SPD said.

On Tuesday, one of the victims of the August 2002 kidnapping incident identified Taupik’s companion Saik as one of the suspects who kidnapped her along with five others.

According to the victim, who also served as a witness, she saw Saik in Nangka, Patikul, Sulu on September 6, 2002 while they were talking with the group of “Ka Baks” about the ransom money.

Upon verification, the police said Saik has a warrant of arrest for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.

The two suspects were placed under the custody of the District Special Operations Unit. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News

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