COLLARED. The mugshot of kidnapping suspect Anerson Tungayao, who was arrested by members of the PNP Anti Kidnapping Group (AKG) in Zamboanga City on Tuesday (Oct. 27, 2020). Tungayao is one of the suspects in the September 16 kidnapping of Filipino-American farmer Rex Triplitt in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, who was later rescued on Sept. 30. (Photo courtesy of PNP-AKG)
MANILA – A key suspect in the kidnapping of a 64-year-old Filipino-American farmer was arrested in Zamboanga City, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) said on Wednesday.
In a report to Camp Crame, AKG chief Brig. Gen. Jonel Estomo said Anerson Tungayao, of Barangay Tapanayan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, was arrested by members of the AKG-Mindanao Field Office and local police in Barangay Arena Blanco at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Tungayao was carrying an M16 assault rifle when he was arrested.
However, another target of the operation --Injam Yadah, an Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leader-- evaded arrest.
Estomo said the group of Yadah and Tungayao was behind the September 16 kidnapping of Rex Triplitt in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. The victim was safely rescued in a joint police and military operation on September 30.
Estomo said the group members were set to jump-off to another kidnapping when the police foiled their plan.
He added that the group's members posed as construction workers when conducting, kidnapping, extortion, and other criminal activities and are mostly victimizing local businessmen in the Zamboanga Peninsula. (PNA)
