The kidnapper of Italian former Priest arrested by joint Government Troops in Zamboanga Sibugay

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 12, 2016) – The responsible of kidnapping of Italian former Priest in Dipolog City had fell into the hands of the joint elements of the military under the Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN and the police in a law enforcement operation launched early this morning in Barangay Kaliantana, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, Military Official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) spokesperson Major Felimon Tan identified the arrested suspect as Sehar Muloc/Abner Muloc also known as Kumander Red Eye. Muloc also identified as kidnap spotter of Abu Sayyaf Group operating in Zamboanga Peninsula particularly in Zamboanga Sibugay and in Zamboanga del Norte.

Major Tan disclosed that Muloc, aka Kumander Red Eye, has direct link to ASG Sub-Leader Idang Susukan and is allegedly being utilized by the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf in many kidnapping operations in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Tan said that the subject was arrested by the joint government troops by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the kidnapping of Italian former priest, Rolando del Torchio.

It was recalled that Rolando del Torchio, 57 years old, was abducted by the group of Red Eye inside his Pizza Resto Bar last October 07, 2015 in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte and turned over by Kumander Red Eye to Sulu-based ASG.  

Rolando del Torchio was released last April 8, 2016 in Jolo, Sulu and was found aboard M/V Beatrice in port of the said town.

Tan said the Arm Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the intensified conduct of law enforcement operations to expedite the arrest of lawless elements in the province particularly against the kidnap ransom group in the Southern Philippines.