ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government troops have arrested an Abu Sayyaf bandit in an intelligence-driven law enforcement operation in the province of Sulu, military officials announced Tuesday.
Lieutenant Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) information officer said that Berhamin Allih alias Berhamin Hamad, who has standing warrant of arrest for arson with no recommended bail, was arrested around 1 o’clock in the morning of Sunday in Barangay Capual, Omar, Sulu.
Cabaltera said that Ellih did not resist the arresting team that comprises of Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-8) troopers and policemen.
Cabaltera said that Ellih, who is involved in numerous kidnappings, is a follower of the late Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsy Misaya.
Col. Hernanie Songano, 4th Marine Brigade commander, appreciated the vigilance of the residents in Barangay Capual for giving them information on the whereabouts of Ellih, which led to his successful arrest.
Songano said that Ellih is currently under the custody of Omar Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Lt. Col. Abdulmoel Alamia, MBLT-8 commander, said that the residents of Barangay Capual, Omar, will now have peace of mind in their community with the arrest of Ellih. – Nikolai Gonzalo
