The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Intelligence Unit of the Philippine Air Force have arrested a sub-commander of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group Tuesday (February 14) in Zamboanga City.
In a report to CIDG Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Police Senior Superintendent Generoso Bonifacio, the CIDG chief of Region 9, identified the suspect as Abdulhan Ussih alias Jeron, 28, a resident of Vajada Meramar, Sinunoc, Zamboanga City.
Pagdilao Jr. said Ussih is the third Abu Sayyaf terrorist who fell into the hands of the joint PNP-CIDG-AFP operating units following the arrest of Harun Jaljalis alias Abu Indal in Basilan last January 26 and Sonny Bakim Barahim alias Abu Ismael of Isabela City, Basilan last January 17.
Ussih, also known as the “Black Tungkang”, was arrested by joint elements of 9RCIDG, 3rd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and members of local police inside the Zamboanga Public Market around 6 p.m. by virtue of an arrest warrant for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. He was a sub-commander of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Radulan Sahiron alias Putol in Sulu.
Bonifacio said that Ussih served as the liaison of the terrorist group to those who provided them with food supplies. He added that Ussih was involved in the infamous Sipadan, Malaysia kidnapping incident as well as the succeeding series of kidnapping activities of the Abu Sayyaf from 2001 to 2003.
Bonifacio added that Ussih is marked as number 11 in the list of most wanted persons for national level category and has a bounty of P3.3-million for his arrest by virtue of the Joint Order of the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government number 15-2011.
Bonifacio further said that Ussih is currently engaged in the buy and sell of fish and other marine products in Zamboanga public market. However, Bonifacio added that they are still looking into the report that Ussih and his group is up to another terrorist plot and that he was just using his business to cover the real purpose of his presence in Zamboanga.
Ussih, who was positively identified by one the Abu Sayyaf victims, is now under the custody of the CIDG in Zamboanga City.
