Abu Sayyaf suspect in Dos Palmas hostage-taking falls

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- An Abu Sayyaf suspect belonging to the group that beheaded American hostage Guillermo Sobero in June 2002 after the hostage-taking in the Dos Palmas resort was arrested in the outskirts of Isabela, Basilan on Saturday, the military said. Brig. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, commander of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade, said Abdasil Dima was arrested during a military raid in Crusher hamlet, Kapayawan village. Ferrer said Dima, who belonged to the group of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Hamsiraji Sali, was arrested based on a warrant issued by a local court for his involvement in the Abu Sayyaf’s kidnapping activities. "He did not resist," he said. The military officer said the suspect was among those charged for the May 2002 Dos Palmas raid, where Sobero and 20 other persons, including the Burnham couple, were taken. On June 11, the day before Sobero was beheaded, Dima and other Abu Sayyaf bandits also attacked the Golden Harvest plantation in Tairan and abducted several people. During the attack, the bandits also beheaded two male victims. Ferrer said Dima, who also participated in the Lamitan siege, carries a reward of P150,000. "He was still being subjected to tactical interrogation," he added. - INQ7.NET