An Abu Sayaf Group (ASG) member said to be involved in the 2000 Sipadan, Malaysia kidnappings was apprehended by members of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Maldimar Mahmor was apprehended through a search warrant for violation of Republic Act No. 1091 (illegal possession of firearms and ammunition) in Barangay Madaup, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, at about 1 a.m., Monday, March 4.
He is under the Sulu-based ASG sub-leader, Idang Susukan, who formerly followed Galib Andang alias Commander Robot.
“He currently serves as the ASG’s liaison and facilitator in its kidnapping activities in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry Battalion commander.
Based on reports, Mahmor took part in the abduction of 21 individuals consisting of European, Malaysian tourists and Filipino resort workers in Sipadan, Malaysia, on April 23, 2000.
Lately, Mahmor was also involved in the kidnapping of the former Mayor of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay and the Duterte couple in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
Recovered from Mahmor’s possession were a .38-caliber revolver, a hand grenade, an M-16 magazine with ammunition, and one rocket-propelled grenade ammunition.
“The apprehension of Mahmor is a big loss for the ASG because it will disrupt their illegal activities, particularly kidnapping, in our area of operation,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., 102nd Infantry Brigade commander who has operational jurisdiction over Zamboanga Sibugay. (Francis Wakefield)
