A village chief, with alleged link to terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group, was arrested in Sulu Sunday morning.

The military said Barangay Niyog Sangahan Chairwoman Fauzia Abdulla in Talipao town was nabbed in a joint operation with the policemen in Kilometer 2, Indanan, Sulu at around 11:15 am.

Abdulla has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping with homicide issued by Judge Dax Gonzaga Xenos of 11th Judicial Regional Branch 34 of Panabo City in connection with the 2015 kidnapping of Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites Flor from a resort in Samal Island.

The ASG beheaded the two Canadians for failure to pay ransom, while Sekkingstad and Flor were both freed.

It was reported that Abdulla helped the Abu Sayyaf members by providing them sanctuary, information network and food.

She was also allegedly involved in managing and providing leadership especially in decision-making.

Abdulla was brought to Sulu Provincial Police Office for proper documentation and processing.

Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said the arrest of Abdulla is a major blow in the leadership of the ASG.

“The ASG's information network, command and decision making will be severely affected with the arrest of a major figure inside their leadership," he said

"The arrest of Abdulla is a product of intensified cooperation between the people of Sulu and our soldiers and policemen in protecting local communities from the scourge of terrorism. Our soldiers will continue to conduct combat operations to destroy the ASG and rescue the remaining hostages", he added.

Last October 31, President Rodrigo Duterte visited wounded troops in Sulu after two separate clashes occurred resulting to the death of eight Abu Sayyaf members and wounding of eight soldiers.

Since July, 44 suspected Abu Sayyaf members have already been killed, while 15 from government side. Ella Dionisio/DMS