Nabbed: Abu Sayyaf man who beheaded Malaysian

Bernard Then’s ashes were brought back to Malaysia in 2016 after his remains were cremated in the Philippines.

TAWAU: Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Idang Susukan, who is wanted for several cross-border kidnappings in Malaysia, was arrested in the Philippines yesterday, according to Eastern Sabah Security Command chief Hazani Ghazali.

He said Idang, who is believed to have beheaded Malaysian kidnap victim Bernard
Then Ted Fen in November 2015, was nabbed in the house of Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari in Davao City at 8.30pm.

Hazani said Malaysian police were trying to gather more information on Idang’s involvement in kidnap for ransom incidents in Sabah’s east coast before completing their investigation papers.

He said Malaysia would try to extradite Idang to Sabah, adding that he has 34 warrants of arrest issued against him in the Philippines, including for 23 murder and five kidnapping cases.

“It’s difficult to bring him here, but we will try,” he said when contacted today.

Idang, whose real name is Abduljihad Susukan, is among 21 Filipinos wanted in Malaysia for kidnappings in the east coast of Sabah.

Bernard, 39, a Sarawakian engineer, was kidnapped at a seafood restaurant in Sandakan in May 2015 before he was taken to the southern Philippines.

The restaurant manager, Thein Nyuk Fun, 50, was released by his captors on Nov 8, while Bernard was beheaded at a remote location on the island of Jolo, southern Philippines, on Nov 11.

Idang is also believed to have masterminded the kidnapping of Gao Huayun of China and Marcy Darawan of the Philippines from the Singamata Reef Resort, Semporna in April 2014, Chinese national Yang Zai Lin in Lahad Datu in May 2014, and Malaysian Chan Sai Chun in Kampung Sapang, Kunak in June 2014.

Idang was also involved in negotiations for the release of victims kidnapped at sea in the eastern Sabah security zone. - FMT