An Abu Sayyaf Group member wanted for illegal possession of firearms was arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Basilan province.
CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat yesterday said the suspect, 31-year-old Gerry Mapula Abing, was nabbed in Barangay Malo-ong San Jose in Lamitan City on Tuesday.
The suspect has a standing arrest warrant for violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law and Republic Act 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives) issued by the Isabela City, Basilan Regional Trial Court.
Caramat said the suspect is a member of the terrorist group’s wing under slain leader Furuji Indama.
Abing allegedly took part in the kidnapping of an American woman Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann and her son Kevin in Zamboanga City on July 12, 2011.
Seized from the suspect during the arrest were a cal. 45 pistol, a magazine, six live ammunition, a hand grenade and a black sling bag.
Caramat said Abing was brought to the CIDG Basilan Provincial Field Unit for appropriate documentation and proper disposition.