Police says arrested man is alleged henchman of ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon

July 19, 2017

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Joint police and military operatives have arrested the henchman of top leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a police official said Wednesday. Chief Inspector Elmer Solon, Police Station 4 chief, identified him as Albarin Arabin, whose real identity is Ustadz Namir alias Abu Amama, and said to be a sub-leader of top ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon. Hapilon is in Marawi City where his  Abu Sayyaf followers are with the Maute Group fighting the military since May 23. Solon said the arrest of Arabin was announced Wednesday even if he was arrested on Monday in Barangay Taluksangay since they have yet to confirm his identity. He said the true identity of Arabin was confirmed through a witness who is under the Witness Protection and Benefits Program of the Department of Justice. He said Arabin has a warrant of arrest for six counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention issued by a court in Basilan. He said the arrest of Arabin came after two unidentified persons in Barangay Taluksangay were seen claiming to be Malaysian preachers. He said they turned out to Filipinos who have worked in Malaysia. He said authorities are trying to find out if Arabin’s companion, Abdulwajid Ibno, is a member of the Abu Sayyaf. DMS