ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 26, 2012) – Philippine authorities arrested a Muslim religious leader accused as a member of the rebel group called Abu Sayyaf in the restive southern province of Basilan, officials said Sunday.
Officials said the 41-year old Ainbasa Jandul, also an Arabic teacher, was arrested by security forces shortly after he stepped out of a boat at a pier in Isabela City.
They said Jandul has a P350,000 bounty on his head, but his wife denied all allegations against him, saying he was arrested on mere suspicion as an Abu Sayyaf rebel.
She said her husband is a law-abiding citizen and is not a member of the rebel group. She also accused policemen of seizing their laptop computer.
Authorities largely blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings of foreigners in the southern Philippines.
It was not immediately known whether Jandul was involved in terrorism and kidnappings and police did not allow journalists to interview or see the suspected rebel, who is being investigated by authorities in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner. With a report from Ely Dumaboc)
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