An alleged former member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) wanted for kidnapping in Basilan was arrested after 15 years in Zamboanga City on Monday, March 31, 2025.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) and other police units arrested the suspect by virtue of a warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by a court in Isabela City, Basilan in 2009.

CIDG said the 52-year-old suspect was allegedly involved in several kidnapping and serious illegal detention incidents in Basilan, including the Golden Harvest kidnapping incident in Tairan, Lantawan town in 2001.

CIDG added that the suspect is an alleged former ASG member under the command of the late Isnilon Hapilon.

The suspect was also allegedly involved in extortion, armed encounters, killings, and ambush incidents of military forces in Basilan.

“After the arrest warrant was issued in 2009, Abu Raba is in hiding and frequently changed and transferred residence from Basilan to other islands of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Zamboanga Region to evade arrest. However, the unrelenting CIDG finally nabbed him,” CIDG said.