Top bandit leader, aide captured in Zamboanga

From the Mindanao Examiner Blog (Feb 5): Top bandit leader, aide captured in Zamboanga

PAGADIAN CITY  – Security forces captured early Tuesday a notorious bandit leader and one of southern Philippines’ most wanted fugitives in an operation in Zamboanga Sibugay province, officials said.

Officials said soldiers and policemen captured Munib Aukasa and his unidentified aide in the village of Langon in Tungawan town. Troops also seized two .45-caliber pistols and a hand grenade from the duo, said General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division.

“This is the result of a long intelligence operation and the capture of Aukasa will bring great relief to the people of Zamboanga. Aukasa is a notorious criminal who had killed many innocent people and we are glad that he was finally captured,” Cruz told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Cruz did not say how security forces tracked down Aukasa, saying it could jeopardize the ongoing operation to locate other members of the gang. “The operation against his other gang members is still going on,” he said.

Cruz said Aukasa is currently being interrogated by authorities. He said Aukasa has long been wanted by authorities for a string of murders, highway robberies, abductions, and arson, piracy and extortion activities, and other criminality in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Cruz said Aukasa was also responsible for the killing of Staff Sergeant Aquilles Demecillo and Private First Class Ronald Toledo in December 2008; the burning of Rural Transit Bus on April 2011 and the execution of its passenger Major Julistidi Arasid, of the 18th Infantry Battalion and his wife; and government militia Lito dela Cruz.

“From January 2010 to June 2012, Aukasa is also a prime suspect in five murders; three frustrated murders; five highway robberies, nine shooting incidents; three arson cases and abductions of villagers in Tungawan town,” Cruz said.

In July 2011, Aukasa’s group stormed the village of Tigbanuang in Tungawan town and seized 6 people, including a five-year old girl, and used them as leverage for the release of his wife, who was arrested by the police for carrying illegal weapons.

Police eventually freed Aukasa’s wife in exchange for the freedom of the hostages.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/02/top-bandit-leader-aide-captured-in.html