MANILA – Authorities arrested a village chief in Basilan who is wanted for the murder of a businessman in the province in 2004.
In a statement on Friday, Philippine National Police (PMP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the suspect Jamiron Ajijon alias "Jamirun Amigos" of Barangay Marang in Sumisip town was arrested inside the village hall by police officers on Thursday.
Ajijon has a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Isabela City, Basilan Regional Trial Court Branch 1 over the killing of businessman Roberto Musablin in Barangay Manaul in the same town on Sept. 6, 2004.
The arresting team confiscated from Ajijon an M-16 rifle, and a .45 caliber pistol.
Police records also identified Ajijon as leader of a gun-for-hire group allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a couple in Maluso, Basilan, and the kidnapping of the daughter of a businesswoman in Isabela City both in 2014.
Ajijon is also an alleged financier of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group leaders in the province, including sub-leader Furuji Indama.
Police also arrested in the same operation a certain Bassel Ajijon Eting for illegal possession of an M-16 rifle.
The suspects were brought to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group Mindanao Field Office in Camp Batalla, Zamboanga City for documentation and investigation. (PNA)