Abu Sayyaf leader killed

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A top Abu Sayyaf commander who took part in the kidnapping of American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham was shot dead in Basilan yesterday by military guards while allegedly trying to escape.

Mauron Ampul, alias Bashirol Ampul, was captured during a raid near Sumisip town on Thursday, said Col. Bonifacio Ramos, commander of the Army’s 103rd Brigade.

Government troops also captured Thursday an Abu Sayyaf terrorist who participated in the kidnapping of a whole class of high school students and their teachers, and the killing of Catholic priest Fr. Rhoel Gallardo in Basilan three years ago.

Armed Forces Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Roy Kyamko told reporters Murad Kangal was arrested at a military checkpoint in San Jose Gusu, just a kilometer away from Southcom headquarters.