ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 22, 2012) – Security forces arrested an Abu Sayyaf rebel involved in the brutal killings of 11 farmers in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, an army spokesman said on Thursday.
Capt. Alberto Caber said policemen, backed by soldiers, tracked down and arrested Abu Jaid in Isabela City. “Jaid is involved in the 2001 kidnapping and beheading of farmers in Lantawan (town),” he told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said Jaid was brought to Zamboanga City where he would be further investigated. The farmers were among those abducted by the Abu Sayyaf and used as shield from pursuing soldiers at a rubber plantation in the town of Lantawan.
“This is the fruit of our (Oplan) Bayanihan in the communities and the strong support from local officials,” said Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division.
Bayanihan refers to the military’s Internal Peace and Security Plan. (Mindanao Examiner)
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