Sayyaf leader shot dead in escape try

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A ranking Abu Sayyaf leader whom the military captured last Friday was killed yesterday after he fought soldiers while trying to escape.

Abdujun Muksan, alias Commander Momong, was shot and killed after grabbed a soldier’s firearm and attempted to flee. He was among the top leaders of the bandit group, having participated in the controversial abduction of 21 mostly foreign hostages from the Sipadan resort in Malaysia last year. The government has put up a P1-million reward for his arrest.

Lt. Col. Danilo Servando, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Southern Command, said Muksan was arrested in a raid of a suspected Abu Sayyaf safehouse in Jolo late morning of Friday.

He shortly after his arrest, Muksan tried to escape by grabbing the gun of one of the soldiers grabbing him. He was shot by other soldiers.

As this developed, Servando said government troops have slowed down in their pursuit of the bandits who are still holding more than 24 hostages, including two Americans, they seized from a resort in Palawan last month.

He said the slowdown was caused by bad weather. "But our forces continue to close in," he explained.

Troops have been directed to exercise caution in searching Basilan’s jungle for the bandits since the area is also home to other armed groups such as the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Servando said some armed groups are helping Abu Sayyaf members to elude pursuing soldiers.

$1 million demand

Meanwhile, the Abu Sayyaf are reportedly asking $1 million for the release of their American captives and another P1 million for a video footage of all the hostages.

A source claiming to have contacted several Abu Sayyaf leaders revealed these. The source noted, however, that the $1 million is not a guarantee that Martin and Gracia Burham will be released ahead of the others as the bandit group allegedly wants to use them as "human shields" against the military.

He added that the group is planning to free four Filipino hostages through a "backdoor channel." He did not elaborate.

In other developments, Abu Sayyaf leader Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot, is assured of his "day in court" once he decides to surrender.

Justice Secretary Hernando Perez assured yesterday that Andang will be accorded due process once he yields to face the law.

"We will give him his day in court, that’s for sure," he said.

Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson earlier revealed that Andang is willing to turn himself in and face trial if treated fairly.

Perez said the government has always given due process to everyone and Andang would enjoy the same right and privilege. – With Manny Galvez