Abu Sayyaf man in hiding over 13 years finally nabbed

He has been found working as a construction worker in the National Capital Region of the Philippines.

Alleged Abu Sayyaf Group member Salahuddin Alpin (right) is being processed at the Southern Police District's headquarters following his arrest in Parañaque City after hiding for over 13 years. (Photo: Southern Police District)

MAKATI: An alleged member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was arrested in the National Capital Region of the Philippines ending more than 13 years of hiding, police said. 

The Southern Police District (SPD), in a statement Friday, said the suspect was identified as Salahuddin Alpin, also known as Almad Pantangan y Tawasil, 38. 

He was detained at the Marina Bay South Shore Project on Jackson Avenue in Don Galoat village in Parañaque City at about 8pm on Thursday. 

He was working as a construction worker there, according to SPD.

Police served a warrant of arrest on Alpin for murder and attempted murder issued in 2009 by a court in Zamboanga City.

“The accused was an ASG member…involved in kidnapping and extortion activities linked with Gapar Pingli and hiding for more than 13 years,” the SPD said.

Police also recovered a .45 Firestorm Contender pistol, one .45 magazine with eight live rounds and one hand grenade from the suspect’s backpack during a search.

The SPD said Alpin was placed in custody of its District Special Operations Unit for further legal steps.