February 16, 2012, Malaya, Ranking Abu Sayyaf leader nabbed, by Raymond Africa,

February 16, 2012, Malaya, Ranking Abu Sayyaf leader nabbed, by Raymond Africa,

JOINT operating units from the PNP 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 (ASG) in Zamboanga City early Tuesday night.

In his report to CIDG chief Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr., Region 9 CIDG chief Senior Supt. Generoso Bonifacio identified the suspect as Abdulhan Ussih alias Jeron, 28, a resident of Vajada Meramar, Sinunoc, Zamboanga City.

Pagdilao said Ussih is the third ASG terrorist who has fallen in the hands of the joint PNP-CIDG-AFP operating units following the arrest of Harun Jaljalis alias Abu Indal in Basilan on January 26, and Sonny Bakim Barahim alias Abu Ismael of Isabela City, Basilan on January 17.

Ussih, also known as the "Black Tungkang", was arrested by the local CIDG, the 3rd Air Division of the Air Force, and members of local police inside the Zamboanga Public Market at around 6 p.m. by virtue of an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

He was a sub-commander of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Radulan Sahiron alias Putol in Sulu.

Bonifacio said that from 2001 to 2003, Ussih served as the liaison of the terrorist group with those who provided them with food supplies.

Bonifacio said Ussih is included in the list of most wanted persons for the national category and has a bounty of P3.3 million for his arrest.

Ussih is under the custody of the CIDG in Zamboanga City. –Raymond Africa