Philippine authorities arrest militant linked to Malaysian’s beheading

Philippine authorities have arrested Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Idang Susukan @ Abu Jihad who is also wanted in Malaysia in relation to kidnappings in Sabah.

The Philippine Star quoted Philippine National Police chief Archie Gamboa confirming that the arrest was made yesterday evening.

“The rebel leader was handed over by Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari to authorities in Davao City,” the newspaper reported on Twitter last night.

It said Idang was arrested at Nur Misuari’s house in Davao city before being handed to the Davao City police.

Idang’s group is suspected to be behind the kidnappings at a seafood restaurant in Sandakan on May 14, 2015. The two kidnapping victims were the restaurant owner Thien Nyuk Fun and the Sarawakian engineer Bernard Then Ted Fen

Thien was released on Nov 8 that year but Then was beheaded by the group.

The Eastern Sabah Security Command includes Idang on its list of 21 foreign nationals wanted for alleged involvement in cross-border crimes in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. - Mkini