Abu Sayyaf leader captured

Security forces captured an Abu Sayyaf member who is linked to dozens of civilian kidnappings on Basilan island, a military report said yesterday.

The report identified the rebel leader as Imam Intong Amelul, who had escaped a military offensive on Basilan, but was captured by soldiers on Tuesday in Zamboanga City's main pier.

Amelul is included in the military's order of battle and has a P150,000 ($7,800) reward for his capture. He was placed in the custody of the southern command.

Amelul faces a string of criminal charges in connection with kidnappings in 2000. The military said Amelul was the right hand man of Abu Sayyaf leader Hamsiraji Salih.

Salih earlier said he would surrender and help the government, but only if the military halted its offensive against the group.

Salih is one of five known rebel leaders wanted by the U.S. for the kidnapping and killing of American hostages Guillermo Sobero and Martin Burnham.

Salih warned he might change his mind and retaliate if the army continued its attacks. He said he had broken ties with Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani because of contradicting views and goals.

Last month, Salih told a radio network, that he wanted to surrender and cooperate with the government to help the Muslim population on Basilan island.