Sayyaf leader, 5 others killed in Sulu clash

A photo of Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad in this video grab from ABS-CBN television and a wanted government poster of the slain militant. And soldiers put tag on the body of Parad and other militants killed in the fighting. (Nickee Butlangan - Mindanao Examiner).

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 21, 2010) – Philippine soldiers killed at least 6 Abu Sayyaf militants, including their leader, who is wanted by the United States for terrorism, in fierce clashes Sunday in the southern province of Sulu, official told the Mindanao Examiner.

Officials said three soldiers were also slightly wounded in the fighting that erupted in hinterland village of Karawan near Indanan town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf blamed for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings in the restive region.

“We have killed at least six militants and recovered their weapons. Three of my soldiers are slightly wounded in the fighting,” said Marine Brigadier General Rustico Guerrero, commander of military forces in Sulu, who is leading the offensive against the militant group tied to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya.

He said a platoon of marine special unit and reconnaissance soldiers assaulted an Abu Sayyaf camp in Karawan, a mountain complex straddling several towns and a known lair of the militants.

Lieutenant General Benjamin Dolorfino, the regional military commander, said among those killed was Albader Parad, tagged as behind the kidnappings last year of three international Red Cross workers in Sulu province.

“Parad is dead. He was killed in the military operation in Sulu,” he said.
He also identified the other slain militants as Simal Abtong, Abdulhan Jumdail, Omar Umbah, Hamilton Sadjael and Udin Serail.

Dolorfino said troops fought Abu Sayyaf forces under Albader Parad and Abu Jumdail, also known as Doctor Abu because of his alleged ability to cure wounded militants.

Both leaders are wanted by the Philippine and US authorities for their involvements in the kidnappings of American citizens and the killing of two US Special Forces soldiers in Sulu in the past.

Other reports in Sulu province said the fighting began as early as 4:00 a.m. and that Moro National Liberation Front gummen under former rebel chieftain Nur Misuari also fought soldiers side by side with the Abu Sayyaf.

The MNLF signed a peace agreement with Manila in September 1996, but many of the rebels were disgruntled with the accord and accused the government of failing to comply with the provisions of the deal.

The accord promised the rebels a massive livelihood aid and housing programs, including a mini-martial plan in areas where there are large Muslim communities to help them uplift their standard of living. But many disgruntled MNLF members have either joined the Abu Sayyaf or engaged in kidnappings-for-ransom. (Mindanao Examiner)

6 Sayyaf killed in Sulu clashes

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 21, 2010) – Philippine soldiers killed at least 6 Abu Sayyaf militants in fierce clashes Sunday in the southern province of Sulu, official told the Mindanao Examiner.

Officials said three soldiers were also slightly wounded in the fighting that erupted in hinterland village of Karawan near Indanan town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf blamed for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings in the restive region.

“We have killed at least six militants and recovered their weapons. Three of my soldiers are slightly wounded in the fighting,” said Marine Brigadier General Rustico Guerrero, commander of military forces in Sulu, who is leading the offensive against the militant group tied to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya.

He said a platoon of marine special unit and reconnaissance soldiers assaulted an Abu Sayyaf camp in Karawan, a mountain complex straddling several towns and a known lair of the militants.

Lieutenant General Benjamin Dolorfino, the regional military commander, said there were reports that a senior Abu Sayyaf leader wanted by the US government was among those killed in the clashes.

“We have reports that Albader Parad or Doctor Abu was among those killed and we are trying to verify this information,” he said.

Dolorfino said troops were fighting Abu Sayyaf forces under Albader Parad and Abu Jumdail, also known as Doctor Abu because of his alleged ability to cure wounded militants.

Both leaders are wanted by the Philippine and US authorities for their involvements in the kidnappings of American citizens and the killing of two US Special Forces soldiers in Sulu in the past.

Other reports in Sulu province said Parad was among those killed in the fighting which began as early as 4:00 a.m. It said Moro National Liberation Front rebels under former rebel chieftain Nur Misuari also fought soldiers side by side with the Abu Sayyaf.

The MNLF signed a peace agreement with Manila in September 1996, but many of the rebels were disgruntled with the accord and accused the government of failing to comply with the provisions of the deal.

The accord promised the rebels a massive livelihood aid and housing programs, including a mini-martial plan in areas where there are large Muslim communities to help them uplift their standard of living. But many disgruntled MNLF members have either joined the Abu Sayyaf or engaged in kidnappings-for-ransom. (Mindanao Examiner)

US-backed RP troops hunt for JI, Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu

Mist envelopes the magnificent Tulay Mosque in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, where security forces are battling Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants since Sunday, September 20, 2009. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 22, 2009) – Philippine troops backed by US military intelligence on Tuesday continue to hunt for Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in the southern island of Sulu, where dozens of rebels and soldiers were killed in fierce clashes since last week, officials told the Mindanao Examiner.

Regional military chief Major General Benjamin Dolorfino said troops were tracking down at least four most senior Abu Sayyaf leaders – Dr Abu, Albader Parad, Isnilon Hapilon and Yasser Igasan – including two foreign Jemaah Islamiya terrorists Mauiya and Quayem and some 200 gunmen.

Mauiya, believed to an Indian national, was among those previously tagged by the Philippine authorities as behind the kidnappings early this year of three international Red Cross workers in Sulu. But little is known about Quayem.

“Our forces are pursuing the Abu Sayyaf and JI terrorists. We will get them sooner or later,” Dolorfino said.

He said at least 34 Abu Sayyaf militants and 8 soldiers were killed in the fighting since Sunday in the hinterlands of Indanan town. Among those killed on the side of the Abu Sayyaf was Ustadz Muktar, a cousin of Hapilon, whom is wanted by the US for terrorism.

Dolorfino said the US military has been providing intelligence to the Philippine military in the hunt for the terrorists. “The US military is providing intelligence support,” he said without elaborating.

But US Special Forces are deployed in Sulu province since 2006 and assisting the local military in defeating the Abu Sayyaf.

Police are also on alert for retaliatory attacks by the Abu Sayyaf after security forces captured one of their main camps in Indanan town.

Chief Inspector Usman Pingay, head of police in the capital town of Jolo, said he had received intelligence reports that the Abu Sayyaf plans to attack after their largest camp on the island was overran by troops.

He said police had set up more road checkpoints and were conducting more foot patrols.

“We are in heightened alert. We have intelligence reports that the Abu Sayyaf may launch an attack in Jolo, probably as retaliation to the ongoing military offensive,” Pingay told the Mindanao Examiner by phone from Jolo.

Dolorfino said the fall of the Abu Sayyaf camp was a big blow to the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group. “The capture of the Abu Sayyaf camp is a big blow to the enemy because it is one of their main strongholds in Sulu,” he said.

The seized Abu Sayyaf camp was near to the base of former Moro National Liberation Front rebels, who were believed coddling the militants, according to Dolorfino.

“The Abu Sayyaf camp was a convenient sanctuary because of the presence of the MNLF base and some former rebels are protecting these terrorists because either they are relatives or family members,” he said.

The MNLF signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, but many former guerrillas were disgruntled with the accord, saying, the Arroyo government failed to comply with some of its provisions and uplift their standards of living. They accused Manila of failing to develop war-torn areas in the south.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

Many of the former MNLF fighters have joined the Abu Sayyaf and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is now negotiating peace with the government. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf trapped in Sulu jungle; no words from Red Cross hostages

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 01, 2009) – Security forces have cordoned off a huge area in the jungle of Sulu province, trapping Abu Sayyaf terrorists holding hostage three Red Cross workers.

An Abu Sayyaf commander Albader Parad have repeatedly threatened to behead the hostages – Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba – if security forces do not withdraw from at least 5 towns.

Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of military forces in-charge of the operation to safely free the aid workers, said they have reports that all the hostages are alive.

“We have reports that the hostages are all alive. Military forces have encircled the jungle of Indanan town where the Abu Sayyaf is holed out. They are trapped, but they are also highly mobile,” Allaga told the Mindanao Examiner.

The kidnappers have been reported radioing for reinforcements from other Abu Sayyaf groups in Sulu and Basilan provinces, anticipating a possible show down with military forces should Manila orders a rescue operation.

Allaga said the deployment of troops around Indanan have prevented Abu Sayyaf forces from Patikul town in merging with Parad’s group.

The Abu Sayyaf warned it would behead one hostage on Monday at 2 p.m. if the government fails to pull out security forces.

The trio was kidnapped on January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison in Patikul town. Police said a former jail guard, Raden Abu, led the group that kidnapped the aid workers and handed them over to the Abu Sayyaf days later. Abu was dismissed after 10 prisoners escaped from jail on January 13.

The latest video released last week by the Abu Sayyaf showed the three hostages tied together and behind them about a dozen gunmen clad in what appeared to be new army uniform and their faces covered, except for Parad, who is also the group’s spokesman.

The video also showed Parad’s group now equipped with dozens of rifle grenades, M203 grenade launchers and machine guns. In previous videos, they were armed only with several grenade launchers and a few munitions.

It was not immediately known who were supplying weapons and provisions to the Abu Sayyaf.
Military and police intelligence reports said among those holding the aid workers are members of the Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiya.

Jemaah Islamiya militants led by Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir also known as Marwan, is believed to be among the Abu Sayyaf holding the hostages. Two more Jemaah Islamiya terrorists Dulmatin and Umar Patek are also said to be hiding in Sulu.

Zulkifli, who also heads the Kumpulun Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM), was believed to be involved in multiple deadly bomb attacks in the Philippines and has been added to most-wanted list of the U.S. Rewards for Justice Program.

The U.S. offered as much as $5-million bounty for the capture of Zulkifli and other known Abu Sayyaf leaders, while Dulmatin carries a $10-million reward on his head and $1-million for Patek. Manila also put aside P100-million bounties for the capture of Abu Sayyaf leaders dead or alive.

The provincial governor of Sulu, Sakur Tan, on Monday declared a state of emergency after the Abu Sayyaf ultimatum for a military pull out ended. Tan said military and police will arrest suspected Abu Sayyaf members and their supporters in a bid to crack down on terrorism in Sulu, one of six provinces that comprise the Muslim autonomous region. (Mindanao Examiner)

Security forces cordon Sayyaf lair in Sulu; state of emergency declared after ultimatum lapses

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 31, 2009) – Security forces have cordoned a huge area in Sulu’s jungle after an ultimatum by Abu Sayyaf terrorists to behead one of three kidnapped Red Cross workers lapsed on Tuesday.

The terrorists said they would decapitate one hostage at 2 p.m. if the government fails to pull out military and police forces in the province, one of six under the Muslim autonomous region south of the Philippines.

The Abu Sayyaf kidnapped on January 15 Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino woman Mary Jean Lacaba after inspecting a humanitarian project in Patikul town.

Albader Parad, one of those holding the aid workers, had threatened to kill the captives at least three times if security forces do not move away from an Abu Sayyaf lair in the town on Indanan, where the hostages are being held. Parad also promised to free one hostage if security forces withdraw.

The military and police have twice moved back from the town after Interior Secy. Ronaldo Puno ordered authorities to withdraw, but the Abu Sayyaf reneged on its promise and demanded a larger withdrawal of troops, policemen and armed village guards helping authorities prevent the terrorists from escaping in Indanan.

Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan has repeatedly appealed to the Abu Sayyaf to spare the lives of the hostages, but Parad flatly rejected his plea. “They are sticking to their original demand to pull out all the troops in Sulu. We will not take this sitting down. We are preparing for the worse and if the worse happens, we shall everything to the Almighty,” Tan said.

It was unknown whether the Abu Sayyaf has beheaded one of its hostages and Parad could not be contacted anymore. Tan has declared a state or emergency in Sulu, a proclamation supported by the police and military and local leaders, said Sonny Abing, the governor’s spokesman.

The order authorizes police action against the Abu Sayyaf and restricts civilian movements and imposes a curfew in Sulu. Police commandos have already been sent to Indanan town and neighboring areas to prepare for to rescue the hostages.

“We are moving back to Indanan to cordon the area. We have forces all over the town now,” said one police commander, who asked not to be named because he was not authorize to speak to the media.

He said security forces were preparing to mount a rescue operation. “We are prepared to rescue the hostages,” he said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also appealed to the Abu Sayyaf on Tuesday to spare the captives’ lives.

“Our message to Abu Sayyaf is: please spare and release Mary Jean, Eugenio and Andreas,” said the ICRC's president, Jakob Kellenberger. “All they were doing was helping people in need in your area. There is no ideology or religious law that could justify killing them.”

”We will do everything in our power to ensure that Mary Jean, Eugenio and Andreas remain safe and can return to their families, who miss them desperately. Their children, parents, siblings, spouses, friends and colleagues will not give up hope of seeing them again soon,” Kellenberger added. (Mindanao Examiner)

Abu Sayyaf issues ultimatum, threatens anew to behead Red Cross captive in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 30, 2009) – Abu Sayyaf terrorists holding three Red Cross workers have again threatened to decapitate one of three kidnapped Red Cross workers if Manila fails to withdraw more security forces from Sulu province.

The Abu Sayyaf has twice reneged on its promise to free one hostage in exchange for the withdrawal of hundreds of troops and police commandos near its lair in the hinterlands of Indanan town.

Interior Secy. Ronald Puno on Saturday ordered security forces to return to barracks after Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad warned they would behead the hostages – Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba.

The three were kidnapped January 15 after inspecting a humanitarian project at a prison in Patikul town.

Now, the Abu Sayyaf issued an ultimatum until 2 p.m. on Tuesday for the government to remove security forces in Sulu. Parad said they will kill one hostage.

“The Abu Sayyaf wanted a larger military and police pull out in Sulu, but this is impossible,” said Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan, head of the government task force negotiating for the safe release of the hostages. “We cannot surrender Sulu to the Abu Sayyaf demands.”

Tan was opposed to the pull out of troops and policemen, but was overcome by Puno’s decision in an effort to stop the beheading of the hostages.

Many troops and policemen in Sulu were disgruntled by Puno’s decision to pull them out from Indanan town, saying, it could pave the way for the Abu Sayyaf to escape or consolidate its forces and get more weapons or kidnap more innocent civilians.

Military and police officials declined to give any statement about the reports of growing demoralization among their ranks. (Mindanao Examiner)

DILG, sinisisi sa maling desisyon sa Sulu hostage crisis!

SULU (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 30, 2009) – Sinisisi ng mga sundalo si Interior Secy. Ronaldo Puno sa lumalalang problema ng Sulu hostage crisis matapos na muling magbanta ang Abu Sayyaf na tutuluyan ang isang bihag nito.

Hawak pa rin ng Abu Sayyaf sina Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni at Pinay na si Mary Jean Lacaba matapos silang dukutin nuong Enero 15 sa bayan ng Patikul ng bisitahin ang isang humanitarian project sa bilangguan doon.

Si Puno ang nag-utos sa militar at pulisya na umatras mula sa cordon na inilatag ng mga sundalo sa kabundukan ng Indanan na kung saan ay bihag ng mga terorista ang tatlo at ito ay kapalit sana ng pangako ng Abu Sayyaf na palalayain ang isang bihag.

Ngunit hindi ito tinupad Abu Sayyaf at sa halip ay muling humiling na dapat lumikas na ang lahat ng militar at pulisya sa Sulu at kung hindi ay pupugutan ng ulo ngayon alas 2 ng hapon ang isang bihag.

Maging ang pamunuan ng Armed Forces ay tikom ang bibig sa lamalaking demoralisasyon sa hanay ng mga sundalong nasa Sulu. Nais na kasing pasukin at i-rescue ng mga tropa ang bihag at mapatay ang mga lider ng Abu Sayyaf doon.

Dapat umano ay hindi na nakialam si Puno at pinabayaan na lamang sa Marines at kay Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan ang pagresolba sa problema. Maging si Sen. Richard Gordon, na pinuno ng Red Cross sa bansa at ang International Committee of the Red Cross at sinisisi na rin ng ilang mga sundalo dahil sa patuloy nilang pakikagusap sa Abu Sayyaf at ni hindi naman ipinaalam sa Task Force ICRC at sa AFP ang mga napapag-usapan.

Sa pag-atras ng militar at pulisya at mga armadong sibilyan na nakapalibot sa kuta ng Abu Sayyaf ay biglang dumami ang mga ito at may mga bagong armas na rin, ayon sa isang intelligence report.

Hindi naman mabatid kung sino ang nagbigay ng mga armas, ngunit ayon s a naturang ulat ay posibleng makatakas ang Abu Sayyaf sa bayan ng Indanan at magtago sa kagubatan ng Sulu na kung saan ay hindi ito kabisado ng marines.

Nauna ng tumanggi si Tan na paatrasin ang militar at pulisya, ngunit nanaig umano ang kagustuhan ni Puno na mag pull out ang mga tropa dahil sa pangako ng Abu Sayyaf na palalayain ang isang bihag.

Patuloy naman diumano ang pagmo-monitor ng mga sundalong Kano sa Sulu sa naturang sitwasyon at naghihintay lamang na humingi ng tulong ang pamahalaang Arroyo sa US Embassy upang mailigtas ang tatlong bihag. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf, naka-iscor na naman

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Pilipinas (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 29, 2009) – Sa ikalawang pagkakataon, muling naisahan ng Abu Sayyaf ang pamahalaan matapos na pumalya itong pakawalan ang isang bihag sa kabila ng pull out ng maraming mga parak, sundalo at sibilyan na nakapalibot sa kanilang kuta sa kabundukan ng Sulu.

Sinabi ni Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan na tinawagan siya ni Abu Sayyaf commander Albader Parad at sinabing dapat pang iurong ng militar at pulisya sa bayan ng Jolo lamang ang lahat ng puwersa nito sa lalawigan.

Ito’y matapos na iurong ni Interior Secy. Ronaldo Puno ang puwersa ng pamahalaan sa kapaligiran ng bayan ng Indanan sa kagustuhan ng Abu Sayyaf na nagbantang pupugutan ng ulo ang tatlong Red Cross workers na sina Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni at Pilipinang si Mary Jean Lacaba kung hindi aatras ang militar at pulisya.

Naunang umatras nuong nakaraang linggo ang marines sa Indanan kapalit ng pangako ni Parad kay Sen. Richard Gordon, na pinuno ng Philippine National Red Cross, ngunit hindi rin ito tinupad ng Abu Sayyaf.

Samantala, matindi ang demoralisasyon sa hanay ng militar at pulisya dahil sa kautusan ni Puno na iatras ang mga puwersa. Tatlong sundalo na ang nasawi at 23 iba pa ang sugatan sa hanay ng marines dahil sa sagupaan sa Abu Sayyaf ng magtangka ang grupo ni Parad na tumakas mula sa cordon ng militar.

Maging ang pulisya ay dismayado sa order ni Puno, ngunit wala naman magawa ang mga opisyal sa kautusan nito. Maging si Tan ay hindi sangayon sa pull out ng mga tropa dahil tiyak na makakatakas ang Abu Sayyaf at madagdagan ang puwersa nito at armas.

Napaulat na humihingi ng mula $1-$10 milyong ransom ang Abu Sayyaf kapalit ng paglaya ng mga bihag na dinukot nuong Enero 15 sa bayan ng Patikul matapos na bumisita sa isang bilangguan. (Mindanao Examiner)

Troops to pull out from terrorist lair after Sayyaf threatens to behead one Red Cross hostage in the Philippines

A government soldier who is injured in clashes with Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the southern Philippine island of Sulu grimaces in pain as military nurses clean his wound on Thursday, March 19, 2009 in Zamboanga City. Western Mindanao military chief Marines Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga also pinned medals to the wpunded. Senator Richard Gordon says government troops would be pull out from the jungle of Indanan where the Abu Sayyaf is holding hostage three Red Cross workers - Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba who were kidnapped in Sulu on January 15. Terrorist leader Albader Parad threatened to behead one of the foreigners if troops attacked them in Indanan following two days of clashes early this week. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Jung Francisco)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 19, 2009) – Philippine military authorities agreed to reposition troops who surrounded the jungle lair of Abu Sayyaf terrorists who are holding hostage three aid workers in Sulu province.

The decision came after a terrorist leader Albader Parad threatened to behead one of the hostages after two days of fighting left three soldiers and an undetermined number of kidnappers dead and wounded in Indanan town.

The Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings-for-ransom, is holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino woman Mary Jean Lacaba who are working for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

They were snatched January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison facility in the town of Patikul.

Senator Richard Gordon, who is also the chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, said the military agreed to reposition troops away from where the terrorists and their hostages are holding out.

“The soldiers will be repositioned away from the Abu Sayyaf,” he said, adding, the Abu Sayyaf promised to free one of the captives soon after troops are pulled out from the area.

Parad, a former Moro National Liberation Front rebel, warned that he would decapitate one of the foreign hostages if troops get near them or if fighting erupts again. He was wounded on Monday’s fighting after troops shot him while trying to break through the military cordon which is also being guard by policemen and armed civilians.

Western Mindanao military chief, Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga: “The presence of the military in the area has to be maintained, but of course in the bigger picture, we still would allow any other peaceful efforts to bring the hostages back to safety.”

But Allaga said the military will not be cowed by Abu Sayyaf threats to kill one hostage.

“In a situation like this, it is like a battle of nerves and everybody seems to be panicking and everything. We are dealing here with a group of terrorists and we already saw their true colors in previous atrocities.”

“We should not allow ourselves to be subjected to the whims and caprices of the terrorists. We are dealing here with a terrorist group,” he told reporters in Zamboanga City after visiting soldiers wounded in clashes with the Abu Sayyaf at a military hospital.

The military said 19 soldiers were wounded in two days of fighting in Sulu. The bodies of three soldiers killed in the clashes were flown to Manila on Thursday. (With a report from Jung Francisco)

Sayyaf threatens to behead Red Cross hostage

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 18, 2009) – Abu Sayyaf terrorists have warned it would behead one of three Red Cross hostages they are holding on the southern Filipino province of Sulu if troops get closer or attack them, reports said on Wednesday.

The Reuters News Agency said Albader Parad, leader of the Abu Sayyaf group holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba threatened to decapitate one of the foreigners.

"Remember, if they pursue the operations and they come close to us and another firefight erupts, I will behead one of the European ICRC hostages," it quoted Parad as saying in a radio interview on Wednesday.

Parad has been interviewed several times by a local radio station run by a Manila religious organization since the hostage drama began, Reuters reported.

Troops clashed with Parad’s group in the town of Indanan on Monday and continued until the next day that killed three soldiers and an undetermined number of terrorists, including a sub-leader and his aide.

The aid workers were kidnapped January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison in Patikul town. Security forces have surrounded the Abu Sayyaf lair in the hinterlands of Indanan town.

The Abu Sayyaf reportedly demanded $10 million ransoms for the freedom of the captives. (With a report from Reuters)

Philippine troops clash with Sayyaf terrorists holding Red Cross workers

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 16, 2009) – Security forces clashed Monday with Abu Sayyaf terrorists holding hostage three Red Cross workers in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, police said.

The fighting erupted in the hinterlands of Indanan town where soldiers and police forces have encircled an area where the terrorists are holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino woman Mary Jean Lacaba.

The three, who are working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), were kidnapped on January 15 after inspecting water and sanitation project at a prison in Patikul town.

There were no reports about the hostages. The Abu Sayyaf reportedly demanded $10-million ransoms for the freedom of the hostages.

Police said there were unconfirmed reports that one of the terrorist leaders Albader Parad was either wounded or killed in the fighting. “We are trying to confirm that report,” Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the Sulu police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Parad was a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with Manila in 1996.

General Nelson Allaga, commander of military forces in Western Mindanao, ignored phone calls from journalists who wanted to confirm reports about Parad’s death.

The ICRC has repeatedly expressed concern about the safety of the hostages.
“We are doing everything we can to obtain the safe and swift release of our staff. It's frustrating for everyone, especially our three kidnapped colleagues and their families that this has gone on for so long. We would very much like to see some rapid and meaningful progress towards resolving this crisis.”

“There are a lot of different people within and outside the ICRC, who are working to make this happen. We're counting on everyone involved to do their utmost to ensure the safe and unconditional release of Mary Jean, Andreas and Eugenio. Their wellbeing must come first and no action should be undertaken that would put their lives in danger. We reiterate our appeal to the kidnappers to let them go,” said Alain Aeschlimann, the ICRC's head of operations for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific.

He said the last time they talked with the captives on the phone was on March 11.

“We were able to talk to Mary Jean, Andreas and Eugenio on Wednesday, 11 March. It was our first direct contact with them in almost three weeks so it was very good to speak with all three and know that they are together. They sound calm and composed, considering the enormous stress of this situation,” Aeschlimann said.

The ICRC said it would not pay ransoms to the Abu Sayyaf and appealed for the safe release of the hostages.

”We are in regular contact with the families of Mary Jean, Andreas and Eugenio. Unless you've lived through something like this yourself, I think it's impossible to imagine their anguish. We are trying our best to comfort them and give them the support they need. Only the safe and rapid release of our colleagues can bring them any real relief.”

"As ICRC workers, the job of Mary Jean, Eugenio and Andreas is to alleviate the suffering of those who have been adversely affected by situations of armed conflict or internal violence. Our colleagues and their families have suffered immensely over the past two months. We hope it will not be long before they are home together again,” Aeschlimann said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf commander, sugatan o patay?

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 16, 2009) – Posibleng napatay o kaya’y sugatan ang isang Abu Sayyaf commander na may bihag sa tatlong Red Cross staff sa lalawigan ng Sulu.

Nagkaroon umano ng sagupaan kanina sa kabundukan ng bayan ng Indanan na kung saan ay hawak ng Abu Sayyaf sina Swiss national Andreas Notterm, Italian Eugenio Vagni at ang Pinay na si Mary Jean Lacaba mula pa nuong Enero 15.

Ang tatlo ay pawang mga staff ng International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at dinukot ang mga ito sa bayan ng Patikul matapos na bumisita sa isang bilanguan upang tignan ang ilang proyekto doon.

Sa intelligence report ng militar ay pilit umanong tumatakas si Albader Parad mula sa cordon ng militar at pulisya sa kabundukan ng ito’y birahin ng mga snipers. Isa pang kasamahan na nagtangkang tulungan si Parad ang tinira rin ng militar.

Hindi naman sinasagot ni Western Mindanao military chief Gen. Nelson Allaga ang tawag sa kanyang cellphone upang makunan ng pahayag kung tutuong sugatan o kaya’y napatay na si Parad.

Ilang ulit na kasing ibinabalita ng militar na maramin na itong napapatay na mga commander ng Abu Sayyaf, ngunit kalimitan sa mga ito ay false report.

Sinabi naman ni Alain Aeschlimann, ang ICRC's head of operations for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific, na patuloy itong nakikipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad upang masigurong ligtas sa kapahamakan ang mga bihag.

“We are doing everything we can to obtain the safe and swift release of our staff. It's frustrating for everyone, especially our three kidnapped colleagues and their families, that this has gone on for so long. We would very much like to see some rapid and meaningful progress towards resolving this crisis.”

“There are a lot of different people within and outside the ICRC, who are working to make this happen. We're counting on everyone involved to do their utmost to ensure the safe and unconditional release of Mary Jean, Andreas and Eugenio. Their wellbeing must come first and no action should be undertaken that would put their lives in danger. We reiterate our appeal to the kidnappers to let them go,” ani Aeschlimann.

Napabalitang humihingi ng $10 milyon ransom ang teroristang Abu Sayyaf kapalit ng mga bihag. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf denies asking ransom for ICRC hostages

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 12, 2009) – Abu Sayyaf terrorists holding hostage three Red Cross workers in Sulu province denied Thursday reports they were demanding P50-million in exchange for the safe release of the captives.

“We have not demanded P50-million ransom. That is not true. What we wanted is for the military to pull out of Sulu,” an Abu Sayyaf commander, Albader Parad, told the television network ABS-CBN.

Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema, also leader of a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front, was quoted as saying the terrorists were demanding the ransoms.

Sema also said that the hostages – Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino woman Mary Jean Lacaba - have been separated from each other.

Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan, head of government task force tasked to secure the safe release of the hostages, said they have no reports about the Abu Sayyaf ransom demand.

“We have no reports about it because first of all there is no negotiation with the Abu Sayyaf because they are demanding the pull out of the soldiers before any negotiations and we cannot allow that,” Tan told the Mindanao Examiner.

He said security forces have surrounded a huge area in the jungle of Indanan town where the Abu Sayyaf is holding the captives. “The Abu Sayyaf should free all the hostages because we are not going to pay any ransom to them,” he said.

The hostages who are working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were kidnapped January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison in Patikul town.

Previous military intelligence reports said the terrorists were also demanding $10-million ransoms for the freedom of the three aid workers. The ICRC said it will not pay ransom to the terrorist group blamed for the spate of bombings and kidnappings in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf rejects gov't attempt to free Red Cross hostages

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 6, 2009) – Abu Sayyaf terrorists holding hostage three Red Cross workers in the southern Philippines rejected fresh government attempt to negotiate for the safe release of the trio.

Government negotiators led by Nur Misuari, chieftain of the former rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), was attempting to open up talks with the Abu Sayyaf to secure the freedom of the hostages.

The Abu Sayyaf led by Albader Parad, a former MNLF rebel, has previously demanded the pull out of troops in the jungle of Indanan town where they are holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba.

Parad was interviewed by phone on March 5 by a television network ABS-CBN and he said his group will not negotiate with Misuari and demanded the military to withdraw soldiers from Indanan town.

“They have sent ulama in the past and now Nur Misuari. We will not negotiate unless they pull out the military (in Indanan town),” Parad said.

Notter’s group was kidnapped January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison in Patikul town. Police tagged a dismissed jail guard, Raden Abu, as behind the kidnapping.

Abu handed the trio to the Abu Sayyaf, which reportedly demanded $10 million ransoms for the release of the hostages, who work for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The ICRC said it has not been in direct contact with any of the captives for the past two weeks, but heard Vagni speaking on the phone to a TV reporter.

Vagni said they are all weak because of the condition in the jungle.

“We are all very, very weak because we are living in a very difficult condition. We are here for 50 days (now and) if they can do their best to really do something to free us,” he said in the interview.

The ICRC said it is aware that Misuari went to Sulu to help in the negotiation.

“We hope this is a positive sign. We will not comment any further to avoid saying anything on our side that could jeopardize the safety of our colleagues or the chances of securing their rapid and unconditional release. The ICRC appreciates all genuine efforts from inside and outside the Red Cross to resolve this difficult situation,” said Alain Aeschlimann, the ICRC's head of operations for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific.

“We cannot but admire our colleagues' strength and resilience in dealing with this difficult situation. We believe that their health is stable, even though they are suffering from fatigue and stress,” he said.

Manila said it will not pull out troops in Indanan town and demanded the Abu Sayyaf to free the innocent hostages. (Mindanao Examiner)

Abu Sayyaf remains defiant as ICRC hostage crisis continues

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 20, 2009) – Abu Sayyaf terrorists holding hostage three Red Cross workers remain defiant and rejected government demands to free all the hostages without ransom in the island of Sulu, south of the Philippines.

The Abu Sayyaf is holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba since January 15 in the hinterlands of Indanan town.

Albader Parad, one of several terrorist leaders holding the trio, demanded the pull out of government troops that have surrounded their lair. Parad, a former Moro National Liberation Front rebel, said they will not negotiate with the government unless the military pulls out thousands of soldiers in the town.

The governor of Sulu, Sakur Tan, who heads the task force negotiating for the safe release of the hostages, rejected the terrorists demand and said the hostages must be freed without any condition.

“We will not allow terrorists to dictate upon the government. The terrorists should free all the hostages without any conditions,” he said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross the hostages made contact with the aid agency this week.

Alain Aeschlimann, the ICRC's head of operations for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific, said the hostages claimed they are doing okay, despite the difficult conditions in which they are living.

“We were very relieved to hear that they remain unharmed and are still together. Over the past five weeks, we've spoken to them many times and we are always grateful to hear their voices.”

”We're doing everything we can to find a positive outcome to this situation as quickly as possible. We continue to call for the swift and safe release of Eugenio, Mary Jean and Andreas and we remain hopeful that they will soon be home with their families,” he said.

Aeschlimann said the safety of the hostages is important.

“It is paramount that they should remain out of harm's way and that any efforts to free them should in no way endanger their safety. There are many people who are working very hard to resolve this situation and we appreciate these efforts.”

“My colleagues in the Philippines are obviously deeply affected by this situation. They hope, as we all do at the ICRC, that Mary Jean, Andreas and Eugenio are safe and that they know how much they are missed.”

Nur Misuari, chieftain of the MNLF, also volunteered to negotiate for the release of the hostages, but the Abu Sayyaf showed no interest in talking with the former rebel leader.

Misuari previously was asking for government permission to negotiate with the Abu Sayyaf after a mayor in Sulu, Isnaji Alvarez, of Indanan town, was charged last year with kidnapping when he helped negotiate the release of television reporter Ces Drilon and her two cameramen, including their guide. Drilon was held by the Abu Sayyaf whom they sought to interview clandestinely in Sulu Island.

They were freed weeks later after private negotiators allegedly paid P20 million ransom.

It was unknown whether the Abu Sayyaf is willing to negotiate with Misuari.But the terrorist group previously rejected Misuari, who was tapped in 2001 by Manila to negotiate for the release of 21 Asian and European holidaymakers kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf from the Malaysian resort island of Sipadan and brought by boat to Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf freed the Sipadan hostages after the government allegedly allowed the payment of $20 million ransoms by Libyan negotiators.

The Abu Sayyaf holding the Red Cross workers was reportedly demanding $10 million ransom. (Mindanao Examiner)

Philippines launches rescue operation to free Red Cross hostages

Photo shows Abu Sayyaf terrorist leader Albader Parad in this video grab. (Reuters)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 09, 2009) – Five Filipino soldiers were wounded on Monday after security forces tried to breach a cordon set up by the Abu Sayyaf in an attempt to rescue three kidnapped Red Cross workers, officials said.

Officials said troops were pursuing the Abu Sayyaf under Albader Parad and Abu Pula whose group is holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba in the hinterlands of Indanan town.

"The soldiers were trying to breach the Abu Sayyaf cordon and fighting erupted and five of our soldiers are wounded. The rescue operation is going in Sulu and this will continue without let-up," Lt. Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman, told the Mindanao Examiner.

The soldiers had been under sniper fires the past three days, she said.

It was unknown what triggered the rescue operation, but negotiations between the Abu Sayyaf and the Red Cross had been going the past week with no indications the hostages would be freed.
Unconfirmed reports said the Abu Sayyaf had demanded as much as $10 million ransom, but the Red Cross denied the kidnappers had made such demand.

Manila has rejected any ransom negotiations and Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan said the kidnappers should release all the hostages without ransom.

Cacho said troops were tailing the Abu Sayyaf and their hostages after the gunmen fled the village of Kuppong where the fighting erupted. She said the safety of the hostages is the main concern of the soldiers. "Their safety if our concern, but the operation will have to continue until we recover the hostages," she said.

Bounty hunters have joined armed civilians in tracking down Abu Sayyaf, a security official said.
Hundreds of civilians have armed themselves and joined police and military in sealing off the hinterlands of Indanan town.

Many of the armed civilians were attracted with the huge bounties on the heads of Parad and Pula and their followers.

The United States has offered as much as US$ 5 million for known Abu Sayyaf leaders under the Rewards for Justice System. Manila also set aside P100 million rewards for the capture of Abu Sayyaf terrorists and their leaders – dead or alive.

Philippine and U.S. authorities linked the Abu Sayyaf to the spate of bombings in the southern Filipino region, including executions of civilians and kidnappings for ransom to raise fund and support its terror campaign.

The Abu Sayyaf has pillaged small towns, bombed passenger ships, commuter buses, Catholic churches and public places, including malls and department stores and killed hundreds of innocent people since the time it was founded in the early 1990s.

The Abu Sayyaf kidnapped 21 foreigners in a cross-border raid in Sabah, Malaysia in 2000 and ransomed off the hostages with the help of Filipino negotiators. It also killed two of three U.S. citizens kidnapped in 2001 after failing to seek the release of al-Qaeda bomber, Pakistani Ramzi Yousef, from U.S. prison.

Yousef, who first bombed the World Trade Center in February 1993, was the mastermind of the "Bojinka Plot," a large-scale terrorist attack on U.S. airliners and a plan to kill Pope John Paul II in the Philippines in 1995. He bombed a Philippine airliner bound for Japan, killing one passenger and the Abu Sayyaf owned up the attack. Yousef then fled the Philippines and was arrested in Pakistan. Six years later the al-Qaeda attacked the WTC.

Philippine military officials say the number of Abu Sayyaf militants have dwindled from several hundreds in the 1990s down to about 200 in 2007. But the number is not permanent either as members of other rebel groups and criminals come and go as Abu Sayyaf militants.

Sixteen of Sulu's 19 mayors also signed a manifesto with Governor Sakur Tan giving their support to resolve the kidnapping crisis and at the same time condemning the Abu Sayyaf atrocities.

In a manifesto, the mayors commit to undertake the following: "That we give full and undivided support to the Hon. Abdusakur Tan, Provincial Governor of Sulu and Chairman of the Crisis Management Committee / Area Coordinating Center, the Task Force ICRC, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police to resolve the issue of the ICRC kidnapping in the province of Sulu."

"That we collectively commit human and material resources within our means and control if need to be effect the early and safe release of the hostages. That we condemn in the strongest term any form of action by irresponsible and lawless elements that seek to wreak havoc not only in our respective areas of jurisdiction, but in the whole of Sulu."

The manifesto further reads: "That we convey our sympathies and concern for the sufferings and anguish of the families and loved ones of the victims. That we call on all our constituents to extend full support to the efforts of the Crisis Management Committee and the Task Force ICRC so that an early solution to the crisis is found."

Muslim religious and business groups also condemned the kidnapping of the three aid workers and other abductions in Basilan and Zamboanga City. Called the Sabiel Al-Muhtadeen Foundation, the group said "these are acts against humanity and against the teachings of Islam because Islam teaches peace, harmony and sobriety for all human beings at all time."

"Let it be known to the public that there is no verse in the Holy Quor'an and no Hadith of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W. legalizing of promoting the act of kidnapping any one. Hence, this is an act worth condemning and deserving to be totally stopped."

The Abu Sayyaf, which means the "bearer of the sword," was tagged as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. and also linked by the Filipino authorities to the spate of kidnappings and killing of innocent Muslims in Sulu and Basilan provinces. (Mindanao Examiner)

Troops clash with Sayyaf terrorists in South RP

A television grab from ABS-CBN shows Abu Sayyaf terrorist leader Albader Parad and followers holding three Red Cross workers Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba in Sulu province. (Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 07, 2009) – Government forces clashed with Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, where three kidnapped Red Cross workers are being held, police said Saturday.

Police said there were no reports of casualties on both sides in the fighting that erupted Friday in the village called Timpook. “The militants also burned a school in the village,” said Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the Sulu police chief.

Kasim said police forces were sent to the area to secure the civilians. He said the fighting broke out after patrolling troops spotted the band of Abu Sayyaf under Commander Juhurin Hussein. “It was a chance encounter,” he said.

Another faction of the Abu Sayyaf is still holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, who works for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

They were kidnapped January 15 after inspecting a humanitarian project at a prison facility in Patikul town. Police tagged a dismissed jail guard Raden Abu as one of five gunmen who seized the three aid workers and who were later handed to the Abu Sayyaf headed by Albader Parad and Abu Pula.

The two militants are among the most wanted terrorists in the Philippines and were behind the spate of bombings and kidnappings-for-ransom in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)

Chinese trader kidnapped by Sayyaf in Southern Philippines

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 14, 2008) – Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped a Chinese trader in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, police said Sunday.

Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, Sulu police chief, said at least four gunmen seized Peter Go, 28, as he was closing his electronics store in Jolo town at around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

“Initial reports pointed to Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad as behind the kidnapping of the Chinese trader, whose alias is Peter Go,” Kasim told the Mindanao Examiner.

He said the kidnappers; all clad in camouflage uniform and armed with automatic weapons, and dragged the victim to a waiting van in front of horrified civilians.

Chief Inspector Usman Pingay, the Jolo police chief, said Go’s real name is Xili Wu, from the Chinese province of Fujian. He said police forces pursued the kidnappers, but lost them in Indanan town.

He said Li is one of five Chinese traders who own Perlas Trading in downtown Jolo.

“It was quick; the kidnappers disarmed the security guard of the store and grabbed Xili and sped away using a van, which was probably stolen. We are tracking down the kidnappers,” Pingay said.

He said the police are investigating how the Chinese nationals, who used aliases, were able to put up a business in Jolo town. He said the foreigners arrived in Jolo in December last year and since then operated the Perlas Trading.

The Abu Sayyaf on Friday also seized Pakkam Hashim, the principal of Kutah Sairap Elementary School in the village of Wanni Piyanjihan in Parang town also in Sulu, according to the military.

Army Lieutenant Steffani Cacho tagged Abu Sayyaf leader Gafur Jumdail as behind the kidnapping of Hashim. The motive of the kidnapping is still unknown, she said.

“As far as we know the Abu Sayyaf is behind both kidnappings,” Cacho said.

Authorities tagged the Abu Sayyaf group as behind the spate of kidnappings and bomb attacks across Mindanao.

The Abu Sayyaf, which means “The Bearer of the Sword,” has been labeled a terrorist organization by both Manila and Washington, and is believed by the US to have links with the al-Qaeda terror network.

The Philippine government, aided by the US military, has deployed thousands of troops in the south in an effort to eradicate Abu Sayyaf. (Mindanao Examiner)

RP Human Rights Commission To File Charges Vs Abu Sayyaf Executioners

JOLO ISLAND (Mindanao Examiner / 05 May) – The Philippine Commission on Human Rights is poised to file criminal charges against a senior Abu Sayyaf leader, whose group is tied to al-Qaeda terror network, for the killing of seven kidnapped Filipinos in Jolo island.

The victims, kidnapped April 15, were beheaded four days later after the Abu Sayyaf failed to get ransom from governor of Jolo island, Benjamin Loong.

The gang, led by Albader Parad, reportedly demanded as much as seven million pesos in exchange for the lives of the seven men - six of them were workers of the governor in his private construction firm.

Human rights regional chief, lawyer Jose Manuel Mamauag, said the testimonies and cooperation of the victims’ families are needed to file the charges against Parad and his group. (Mindanao Examiner)

Decapitated Bodies Of Sayyaf Hostages Arrive In Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Al Jacinto / 21 Apr) – Relatives and families of slain Abu Sayyaf hostages grieved Saturday as bodies of the six construction workers arrived in Zamboanga City in crates.

The six, kidnapped on April 15 in Jolo island, were beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf after the island’s governor Benjamin Loong rejected a demand for ransom. The kidnappers, headed by Albader Parad, a notorious militant leader, reportedly sought as much as seven million pesos in exchange for lives of the six men seized in the town of Parang.

A fisherman, also kidnapped in Parang town, was also decapitated. Their heads were delivered to two military detachments in Jolo island on Thursday and their bodies, hands tied behind the back, had been recovered the next day.

The families of the victims blamed the government for its failure to save the lives of the hostages, who were all natives of Zamboanga City and workers of Loong.

“We cannot pay ransom money because of the government’s no-ransom policy,” Loong said. “We will give the families of the slain workers one hundred thousand pesos each to help them (in the funeral expenses).

A ferry transported the bodies from Jolo and a crane was used to unload the six crates in Zamboanga City, where dozens of grieving relatives were waiting.

“How could they do this thing? These people were innocent and only trying to make a descent living to feed their families. May Allah punish the Abu Sayyaf,” one man, Pedro Santos, who claimed to be a relative of the hostages, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Many Muslims in Jolo island condemned the killings. A former governor, Sakur Tan, blamed the worsening peace and order situation on the island and the habitual absences and travels to Manila of many politicians, instead of staying in Jolo.

“There is no governance (in Jolo island) because many politicians who are supposed to stay in their office and do their duties as public servants stay in Zamboanga and travel to Manila for good time.”

“The peace and order condition is getting worse by the day and people are tired and sick of violence and killings and fighting. We need people who will really work hard and served the public well,” Tan said in a separate interview.

The Philippine military also condemned the slaying of the hostages.

Juan San Diego, a retired soldier, who had served in Jolo island, criticized militant party list groups he claimed are allied with the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines.

“While every sector and civil groups are condemning the killings of these innocent people, the so-called progressive political groups, such as the Suara Bangsamoro, Bayan Muna, Karapatan, Kabataan, Anakpawis, Gabriela and their likes, remain silent about the atrocities of the Abu Sayyaf.”

“But they are quick to denounce the military and the government of all fabricated lies about human rights abuses and yet the Abu Sayyaf and other rebel groups continue their terror activities. These party list groups are really communists,” San Diego, a former army gunnery sergeant, said.

Washington listed the Abu Sayyaf as a foreign terrorist organization and offered as much as $5 million bounty for the capture of its known leaders. Manila also set aside P100 million reward for their capture dead or alive. (Mindanao Examiner)