Military retracts earlier claims of Abu arrest

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 29): Military retracts earlier claims of Abu arrest

The military has retracted its report that a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant wanted for a series of kidnapping incidents was arrested by security forces.

The Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) yesterday admitted that the bandit was able to evade security forces during operations in Barangay Landang Laum, Sacol Island, Zamboanga City last Friday.

“Good Afternoon. Correction to our release article re above subject, from Armed Force of the Philippines, Philippine National Police Nab Abu Sayyaf in Sacol Island to AFP, PNP Serve WOA (warrant of arrest) to Abu Sayyaf in Sacol Island, Recovered Items.

According to JTG (Joint Task Group) Zamboanga operating units, they were about to serve the warrant of arrest to Abu Sayyaf member Wahid Pingli (alias) Gafur in Barangay Landang Laum, Sacol Island, Zamboanga City upon
arrival thereat, undetermined number of armed men immediately scampered to different direction. The troops then searched the area and resulted to recovery of one M16, one short magazine and 17 live cartridge M16,” the Western Mindanao Command said in a statement.

“Pingli was not apprehended and believed to be among the group who escaped from the area. As of this time, JTG Zambo, together with ZCPO (Zamboanga City Police Office) are conducting close monitoring in the said area. For info,” it said.

Pingli, an Abu Sayyaf member based in Zamboanga City, is wanted on charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Authorities believe he was behind the kidnapping of a businessman, who was abducted in May 2008 and released June 9 that year, and a 60-year-old, abducted June 2010 and released August the same year.

In 2012, police records showed Pingli was ranked fourth on Zamboanga City’s 10 most wanted list.

Marine Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, has earlier said the militant is currently being interrogated by authorities.

“Pingli’s arrest was made possible through the joint law enforcement operations of the military and police,” she added.

No other details were released to the press by the military or the police about the militant or whether Pingli’s group was planning an attack or kidnappings in Zamboanga City.

The Abu Sayyaf previously bombed a karaoke bar in Zamboanga City that injured a policeman.

Labelled as terrorists by the United States and Philippine governments, the Abu Sayyaf recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in a series of videos posted on YouTube.   

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/military-retracts-earlier-claims-of-abu-arrest