Philippines holds 7 terror suspects

Soldiers escort a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant Hakim Jajirim who was captured in a raid in Jolo town in the southern Philippine island of Sulu on Thursday, July 9, 2009. Police and soldiers seized assorted gun parts, including an M60 machine gun in his hideout late Wednesday. Security forces also captured two wives of militant leader Albader Parad and four other suspected Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu on Tuesday. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Nickee Butlangan).

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 9, 2009) – Philippine soldiers captured 7 people believed to have links with Abu Sayyaf militants tied to Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiya in the southern island of Sulu, officials said on Thursday.

Officials said among the seven were two wives of a militant leader Albader Parad and a man suspected of supplying weapons to the Abu Sayyaf.

The man was captured on Wednesday by soldiers and policemen at a hideout in Jolo town, said Army First Lieutenant Steffani Cacho, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.

“He is undergoing tactical interrogation,” she told the Mindanao Examiner.

Parad’s wives and four other militants, who were arrested in Indanan on Tuesday, are also being investigated for their roles in a deadly bombing that killed 2 people in Jolo.

The six were also implicated in the kidnappings of three Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter, Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba and Italian Eugenio Vagni in January in Patikul town. Both Notter and Lacaba were freed by the Abu Sayyaf on suspicion that ransom was paid for their liberty.

Television reports identified the wives of Parad as Rowena Aksan and Nursima Annudden while their companions were Rabia Asiri, Marwina Salasain, Madrimar Bagadi and Midsfar Aksan.
ABS-CBN reported that soldiers also seized more than P300,000 from the group intercepted at a military checkpoint in the village of Tagbak.

Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are among the Abu Sayyaf that kidnapped the aid workers - Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The US has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture.

The Abu Sayyaf, whose name means “bearer of the sword” in Arabic, split from the larger Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with Manila in 1996.

The United States listed the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist organization that also boasts of ties to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.

Philippine authorities said the Jemaah Islamiya terrorists fled to Mindanao where they sought refuge under the protection of the Abu Sayyaf and rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group. (Mindanao Examiner)

State of emergency in Sulu intended for public safety, says Philippine military

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 16, 2009) - The Philippine military said the recent declaration of the state of emergency in Sulu province in the southern Philippines is aimed for public safety and not to alarm the citizens.

The military also assailed false claims by human rights groups that the state of emergency declared by Governor Sakur Tan is being abused by authorities.

Major Gamal Hayudini, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' 4th Civil Relations Group, said the public and other human rights group should not be frightened by the declaration of the state of emergency since it is intended to deal with the Abu Sayyaf terrorists who are holding hostage two Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni.

"The declaration of state of emergency may mean alertness and may suspend normal functions of the government and the concerned agencies to implement preparedness, but it is for the very good of the public since this will result to pressure the kidnappers to release the two remaining kidnap victims," Hayudini said in a statement.

He assured the police and military will always uphold the rights of citizens in Sulu where the crackdown on suspected Abu Sayyaf supporters are going on.

"The public should not be deceived by those who ride on the issue of the said declaration since the order of general search and seizure, including arrests is intended only for the ASG members and their supporters and not intended for the general public," Hayudini said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Six soldiers injured in Sayyaf Sulu ambush

Soldiers inspect the damaged military truck hit by an Abu Sayyaf landmine explosion Friday, April 03, 2009 in the southern Philippine province of Sulu. Six marines were wounded in the attack in the village of Danag in Patikul town. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Nickee Butlangan)

Freed Filipino Red Cross hostage Mary Jean Lacaba in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 03, 2009) – At least six soldiers were injured in an Abu Sayyaf attack Friday in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, where militants are holding hostage two Red Cross workers.

Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of military forces in-charge of rescuing the captives, said the Abu Sayyaf detonated a landmine planted on a highway in the village of Danag in Patikul town as a truck transporting troops was passing.

“The soldiers are part of a security force guarding the highway to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from escaping a military cordon in Sulu,” Allaga told the Mindanao Examiner.

The attack came a day after the Abu Sayyaf freed Filipino Red Cross worker Mary Jean Lacaba in the jungle of Indanan town. Two other aid workers, Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni remain in captivity in the group of Abu Sayyaf commander Albader Parad.

Allaga tagged an Abu Sayyaf faction headed by Radulan Sahiron as behind the latest attack. He said Sahiron’s group was trying to reinforce Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya (JI) militants holding the two hostages.

Military reports tagged JI militants Muawiyah, an Indian-Singaporean Muslim who also uses the alias Manobo; Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and probably Dulmatin and Umar Patek, both Javanese as among the Abu Sayyaf group holding the aid workers.

The fate of the two hostages remain unknown, but military and government officials negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf, said Notter and Vagni are alive.

Lacaba on Friday was fetched by Senator Richard Gordon, head of the Philippine National Red Cross, and brought to Manila where her anxious family and relatives were waiting.

The Red Cross workers were kidnapped January 15 in Patikul town where they inspected a humanitarian project. Lacaba was released late Thursday in Indanan town to Sulu Vice Governor Nur Anna Sahidulla, who is the government’s emissary to the Abu Sayyaf.
Sahidula said she was contacted by the Abu Sayyaf.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, head of the government task force working for the safe release of the aid workers, has declared a state of emergency in the province. (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)

Sayyaf terrorists hold on to Red Cross hostages in the Philippines

Security forces and armed village guards pull out Sunday, March 29, 2009 from Indanan town where the Abu Sayyaf is holding hostage three Red Cross workers to allow peaceful negotiations for their safe release. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Nickee Butlangan).

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 29, 2009) – Philippine authorities on Sunday were awaiting release of one of three Red Cross workers being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf after troops pulled out from a terrorist stronghold in the southern province of Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf has twice threatened to behead one hostage by Tuesday if security forces do not move away from its jungle lair in Indanan town.

The group, notorious for killing and kidnapping foreigners for ransom, is holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba after seizing them on January 15 in Patikul town where they inspected a water and sanitation project at a prison facility.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno ordered the military and police to remove their forces around Indanan town to open negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf and save the hostages.

The terrorists previously promised to free one captive after troops pulled out from Indanan, but reneged on its commitment and demanded that armed village guards also move away from near their stronghold.

Wire reports on Sunday said the Abu Sayyaf terrorists were now demanding a bigger military withdrawal with solders staying inside their barracks in Jolo town on the other side of Indanan.

It quoted Sulu Governor Sakur Tan as saying that Parad phoned him to demand for a total military pull out. Tan previously said that any pull out by troops in Indanan town could give the Abu Sayyaf an opportunity to escape with their hostages and consolidate forces and kidnap more civilians, virtually putting at risk many people in the province.

Soldiers were demoralized by orders for them to pull out in Indanan town because three had already died and 23 other wounded in fierce fighting last week after Parad’s group tried to break through from the military cordon.

The military and police said among those holding the aid workers were members of the Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiya, possibly Dulmatin, Marwan and Umar Patek, all wanted by Jakarta for the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 mostly foreigners. (Mindanao Examiner)

Philippines succumbs to terrorist demands, pulls out troops around Sulu jungle lair

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Exzaminer / Mar. 28, 2009) – The Philippines on Saturday finally surrendered to Abu Sayyaf demands to pull out troops near its jungle lair or terrorists would behead one of three Red Cross hostages in Sulu province.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno was quoted by local journalists as saying that troops will pull out beginning Saturday from the jungle stronghold of Abu Sayyaf terrorists where the aid workers are being held captive.

The trio – Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba – were kidnapped January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison in the town of Patikul.

An Abu Sayyaf leader, Albader Parad, have threatened to behead one hostage if security forces are not pulled out from the town until end of this month.

Troops, policemen and armed village guards have put up a cordon in Indanan town to prevent the terrorists from escaping with their hostages.

“We are giving them a breathing space where they feel safe to negotiate,” Puno said, referring to the Abu Sayyaf. “I think we are more than bending over backwards in order that the kidnappers will not feel threatened.”

Puno made a brief stopover in Zamboanga City on his way to Sulu province with Gov. Sakur Tan for a meeting with senior police and military officials.

Senior Supt. Julasirim Kasim, Sulu police chief, said they are waiting for orders whether to pull out or not. “We just take orders from our superiors and if they wanted us to pull back, then there is no problem with us and we can maintain intelligence operations to monitor the movements of the kidnappers,” he said.

Kasim said they have intelligence reports that the Abu Sayyaf may kill Vagni if security forces are not pulled out in Indanan town. He said the terrorists issued an ultimatum until end of March for security forces to withdraw from the town.

The Abu Sayyaf last week also threatened to behead hostages after two days of clashes that left three soldiers dead and 23 others wounded. Parad was also wounded in the fighting and warned that they will kill the hostage if clashes erupt again or if troops get near them.

Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of military forces in Western Mindanao, ignored phone calls from journalists, while Col. Eugenio Clemen, marine commander in Sulu, declined to give any statement about the pull out of soldiers from Indanan and so was Col. Ernesto Torres, the spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to where the hostages belong has appealed again to the Abu Sayyaf to free the Notter, Vagni and Lacaba.

Appearing on a 34-second video on the ICRC website, Jakob Kellenberger, the ICRC's president, appealed to the kidnappers to free the trio.

“I am very concerned by the threats of the kidnappers,” Kellenberger said in a rare appearance. “I am asking for their safe, unconditional and immediate release.”

The appeal was in response to threats made by the Abu Sayyaf that they will kill one of the ICRC captives if their demand for a pull back of troops goes unmet.

”The sole purpose of Mary Jean, Eugenio and Andreas' work is to give help to those in need. It is impossible to understand what the kidnappers could possibly achieve by hurting them. Harming a humanitarian aid worker cannot be justified under any ideology or religious law,” Kellenberger said in the video, behind him a world map showing red dots where the ICRC is operating.

The ICRC said Kellenberger spoke with Philippine Executive Secretary, Eduardo Ermita, and asked him to ensure that the authorities do everything in their power to save the lives of the hostages, while avoiding any action that could put their lives at risk.

”The ICRC's priority is that Mary Jean, Eugenio and Andreas remain safe and that they be able to 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 said.

The television network ABS-CBN also showed a video footage of the hostages sitting together and surrounded by their captors, many of them clad in military uniforms and wearing ski masks.

Two of the guards were holding a black banner with Arabic inscriptions similar to what the terrorist group al-Qaeda show in their propaganda videos.

Filipino military 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. (Mindanao Examiner)

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)

Civil groups, Sulu officials hold prayer rally for 3 kidnapped Red Cross workers in the Philippines

Members of the Royal Sultanate Force listen to Sulu Sultan Esmail Kiram during a peace and prayer rally on Saturday, February 14, 2009 in the capital town of Jolo in Sulu province. The rally was also attended by Governor Sakur Tan and Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin. The Jolo Rescue Network also condemned the kidnappings of the three Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba.
(Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - It was a day full of hope and promise for the war torn province of Sulu as thousands join a rally calling for peace and condemning the atrocities and violence that have beleaguered the province for decades.

Over a thousand of civilians led by civil society organizations gathered in front of Jolo Municipal Hall around 2 p.m. Sunday to show support to the government's efforts on peace and security as government troops continue to pursue the Abu Sayyaf bandits responsible for crimes, including kidnappings.

A live band welcomed the mammoth crowd gathered at the rally site giving the event a more lively and festive mood.

The atmosphere in the rally was filled with hope that the event could be the turning point for Sulu and would lead to much needed change in the negative mindset of the people when it comes to their involvement in maintaining peace and security in the province.

Organizers said the rally aims to bring Sulu closer to peace and development.

They said the rally is significant because it shows the commitment of the people to change and their willingness to do what is necessary to achieve peace.

The rally was organized by a group of 47 civil society organizations led by Dr. Samsula Adjuh and Isquildo Ishak who have responded to the growing clamor of the people to take a more active role in the peace and security situation in the province.

Likewise, the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo thru its Royal Security Sultanate Forces led by its Crown Prince (Datu Raja Muda) Agbimuddin Kiram is one with the objective of the rally that is to strongly condemn the atrocities committed by the lawless group and called on residents to unite against all forms of evil acts so that the good image of the Tausug will not be tarnished with violence and that "peace will once again reign upon the province and the people can live in tranquility like it was before."

The Crown Prince said that Sulu was once a very famous place where people lived in harmony with dignity and pride.

He said that it is not yet late to regain that lost prestige as long as the people from Sulu will unite towards the betterment of the province.

The rally also aims to present a united front against violence and terrorism with its theme: "Walk in Unity Towards Peace."

It was participated by all sectors including the business, education and religious sectors and was fully supported by the local government units led by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan who was in attendance along with the different municipal mayors.

Tan called for unity and urged the people to support the police, military and government in its effort to bring peace and development in the province.

He also assured the civilians that the government, including the police and the military, is doing its best to eliminate lawlessness in the province.

Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, chief of the Joint Task Force Comet, who was also invited to speak in the rally, said the military has been involved in development projects in Sulu such as the construction of roads, school buildings and water supply.

Sabban cited that development is a major factor in solving the peace and security problem in the province.

He emphasized that education for the children of Sulu is the key for change and towards achieving peace in the long run.

He promised that the military will always provide its services not only in keeping peace and security as well as in development related efforts.

Major Gamal Hayudini, chief of the Armed Forces' 4th Civil Relations Group (CRG), said the military appreciates the support being shown by the people of Sulu through the rally.

Hayudini lauded the civil organizations for coming up with the initiative and acknowledged the local government units particularly the governor and even the Sultanate of Sulu for their concern and support to the said civil organizations.

He condemned the atrocities of the lawless groups as barbaric acts and vowed that the military will not hinder in its effort to neutralize the threat groups. (Teofilo Garcia, Philippine News Agency)

Red Cross Boosts Capacity In Sulu Province

An unidentified Muslim member of the international non-government organization, Asia America Initiative, has her face painted during the group's Fun Day in Sulu province in southern Philippines, where the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Philippine National Red Cross inaugurated new premises on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008. (Mindanao Examiner Photo/Nickee Butlangan)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 22, 2008) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) inaugurated new premises for the local PNRC chapter in Jolo, the capital of Sulu province in the southern Philippines.

"The chapter’s improved facilities are intended to enhance the response of the PNRC and ICRC to the growing needs of Sulu communities," Felipe Donoso, the ICRC's head of delegation in the Philippines said in a statement. "These communities are suffering the effects of repeated armed clashes between the armed forces of the Philippines and insurgent groups."

In its capacity as a neutral and independent organization, and in cooperation with the PNRC's Jolo chapter, the ICRC provided medical care, food, shelter, essential household items and water and sanitation facilities to more than 48,000 displaced civilians in the province the past years.

Local government and military officials said the refugees have long returned to their homes.

The ICRC and PNRC were able to provide this humanitarian aid on the basis of security guarantees given by the parties to the conflict. In response to mounting humanitarian needs in Sulu, the ICRC has been gradually stepping up its support to the PNRC since 2005.

The ICRC consistently reminds the parties to the armed conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law. In particular, it calls on them to respect and protect the civilian population and to allow the distribution of humanitarian relief in accordance with the population's needs and without discriminating on the basis of politics, race, religion or sex.

Both the ICRC and PNRC remain committed to providing humanitarian assistance and protection for the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence.(With reports from Nickee Butlangan and ICRC)