[CNN Philippines] A most wanted Abu Sayyaf militant who has been at large for 17 years was arrested on December 20 in joint police operations in Binondo, Manila. The rebel was identified as Sudais Asmad, alias “Abu Nas” who was among those responsible for the kidnapping of 15 employees of Golden Harvest Plantation in Basilan in June 2001.The police report also linked Asmad to Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, one the leaders behind the the deadly battle of Marawi last year. Asmad was also said to be among Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan who were supposed to augment rebel forces in Marawi City.
A previously nabbed Abu Sayyaf insurgent also identified Asmad as the group’s recruiter in Luzon, whose job was guised as a “Balik Islam,” or an Islam conversion initiative.
“He is in Manila purportedly to receive financial support from sympathisers of the Dawlah Islamiya and unknown missions,” the police report said.