March 19, 2008, Manila Bulletin, 'Abducted' suspect in Dos Palmas kidnapping is still alive, by Boy Ryan Zabal,

March 19, 2008, Manila Bulletin, 'Abducted' suspect in Dos Palmas kidnapping is still alive, by Boy Ryan Zabal,

BORACAY -- One of the alleged Muslim terrorists arrested by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) is alive.

This was revealed by Majid Bani, brother of Muhammad Bani, who was abducted on March 7 on Boracay Island while on his way to a community prayer. He said he met his brother in the custody of the military in Manila.

Majid said the military had linked his brother to the Dos Palmas resort hostage-taking of foreign and local tourists, including three Americans in Palawan in 2001.

"My brother is a Maranao and he was not involved in the kidnapping of tourists in Palawan. Muhammad is innocent since he was in Boracay that time the incident took place," he added.

Muhammad Bani also confirmed to his brother that his "kidnapped" companion Al-Midzbar Bunajal was left behind somewhere in Panay Island when he was transported to Manila.

"The families of Al-Midzbar are worried. They have no information of his whereabouts," Majid said, adding, his brother's friend has no links to Al-Qaeda terrorist network.

The two Muslims went missing after they were allegedly abducted by agents in Barangay Manoc-Manoc based on intelligence reports that were attempting to assassinate government officials and to bomb foreign embassies in Manila. (Boy Ryan Zabal)