NBI arrests 2 alleged Abu Sayyaf members involved in 2001 kidnapping

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested two alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf group wanted for the kidnapping of plantation workers in Basilan 18 years ago.

NBI operatives and their military counterparts arrested Ibno Ismael alias Abu Kodano in Maharlika, Taguig City last June 26. Totoni Hairon was arrested at South Harbor in Manila's port area last June 28, the bureau said Tuesday.

The two face warrants of arrest issued by the Basilan Regional Trial Court for eight counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the Abu Sayyaf's abduction of 15 workers at Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan in 2001.

While hiding from the law, Ismael allegedly worked as a construction worker under the name Pawwad L. Jamda, while Hairon worked as a security guard in the port area in Manila, the NBI said.

Ismael and Hairon are detained at the NBI Detention Facility while awaiting their transfer to the Zamboanga City Jail.

The NBI has publicized several arrests of alleged Abu Sayyaf members who are supposedly wanted for their involvement in the Golden Harvest kidnapping. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News