DAVAO CITY — After 26-years of hiding, the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force on Thursday successfully arrested the longer wanted Abu Sayyaf member in barangay Simalac, Languyan, Tawi-tawi on April 26.
The PNP in a press statement on Friday, identified the suspect as Tatoh Datu Adingih, who had been using the false name of “Tatoh Moro,” he has been hiding for 26 years and has been considered as the top 9 most wanted member of the Abu Sayyaf.
Police Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, director of the Philippine National Police’s elite Special Action Force, said Adingih was forced to surrender when members of the 5th Special Action Battalion swooped down on his lair in Barangay Simalac.
The arrest of Adingih, the PNP stated, is a result to a successful intelligence-led police operation.
Adingih was wanted for murder and was the top 9 most wanted person in Tawi-Tawi.
The PNP Special Action Force’s 5th Special Action Battalion led the operation with support from the Anti-Kidnapping Group and other police and military units, including the Philippine Navy and the BASULTA Regional Mobile Force Battalion.
The warrant of arrest for murder was issued on June 14, 2007, by Judge Abdulmaid K Muin of the RTC Branch 5 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Dimas commended the troops for the successful operation and reiterated his support for the law enforcement operation of the territorial police units. He encouraged his men to sustain the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
newly installed PNP Chief Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr. lauded the successful operation, saying it is a testament to the PNP’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order in the country.
Acorda reiterated his vow to intensify police visibility and sincere police presence to ensure the safety of all Filipinos. “Under my watch, the PNP’s relentless anti-criminality campaign shall be unstoppable,.”
