CIDG arrests former ASG member Abu Raba after 16 years

CIDG operatives arrested a 52-year-old former member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Abu Raba, in Zamboanga City on Monday after nearly 16 years as a fugitive.

Raba was involved in numerous high-profile kidnappings, extortions, and attacks on government troops in Basilan, including the Golden Harvest kidnapping incident in Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan in 2001.

He had been evading authorities since 2009 when an arrest warrant was issued for his involvement in serious illegal detention.

Raba belonged to the command of ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon and was captured by combined forces from the police, military, and intelligence community in Barangay Dita, Zamboanga City.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III commended the persistence of CIDG BASULTA Provincial Field Units for capturing Raba who frequently changed residences to evade arrest.

This arrest serves as a warning to other wanted individuals that their time is running out and highlights the continued efforts to bring justice to victims.