Suspected kidnapper arrested in Zamboanga del Norte

October 28, 2020

A suspect in the kidnapping of a Fil-American last September 16 in Zamboanga City was arrested by the Philippine National Police- Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) last Tuesday.

Brig. General Jonel Estomo, AKG director, said arrested was Anerson Tungayao but another target, Injam Yadah, an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader eluded arrest.

Estomo said the operation was conducted against Tungayao around 5:30pm along the shoreline of Barangay Arena Blanco in Zamboanga City.

Estomo said Tungayao was carrying an M16 assault rifle when he was accosted by the operating troops and was immediately placed under arrest.

According to the AKG chief, the group of Yadah and Tungayao is responsible for the September 16 kidnapping of Rex Triplitt in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Triplitt was rescued after a firefight between law enforcers and the Abiu Sayyaf on September 30.

Estomo said the group was set to conduct a  kidnapping when police  foiled their plan.

He said the group disguise themselves as construction workers when conducting kidnapping, extortion and other criminal activity mostly victimizing local businessmen in the Zamboanga peninsula area. Ella Dionisio/DMS