Abu Sayyaf leader killed in Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A senior Islamic militant, wanted by the US government for the 2000 Sipadan kidnapping in Sulu, was killed in a clash with the combined elements of the Navy and Marines during a dragnet operation Saturday night in Bonggao, Tawi-Tawi, naval officials said.

Killed was Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mobin Abdurajak, also known as Abdulmubin Sakandal and Boy Negro, who carried a $20,000-bounty from the US government.

The Philippine government offered a separate P2-million reward for his capture.

“Abdurajak has been wanted for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with his participation in the 2000 Sipadan hostage-taking incident. His neutralization is part of our campaign to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf terrorists,” said Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Combined.

Marayag said elements under the Naval Task Force 62 launched the operation on Abdurajak and his ragtag group after availing of civilian information on his whereabouts in Barangay Pag-asa, Bonggao.

The Marines and naval personnel swooped down on the safehouse of Abdurajak resulting in a brief encounter, killing the wanted militant about 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

He described Abdurajak as a brother-in-law of slain Abu Sayyaf chief Khadaffi Janjalani, who was killed last year in Mount Tugas, Patikul, Sulu.

“We hope to neutralize all those Abu Sayyaf terrorists who are taking refuge in the area while running away from our pursuing forces,” Marayag said.

The remains of Abdurajak were immediately brought to the police in the area for postmortem by the authorities before a formal turnover to local authorities for proper disposition.

The military said the hunt continues against Abu Sayyaf members, some of whom prominently participated in the Sipadan kidnapping in April 2000 where 21 European and Malaysian tourists, including two Filipino resort staff of Sipadan, were taken to Sulu.

The victims were subsequently freed following payment of huge ransom to the Abu Sayyaf group, whose key leaders included Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot, Nadzmi Saabtula alias Global, and Mujiv Susukan.

These three were neutralized one after the other.

The other important leaders who remain at large in Sulu include Radulan Sahiron alias Commander Putol, Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu Pula, and Albader Parad.

Founded in the early 1990s by Afghan-trained Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, the Abu Sayyaf (Bearer of the Sword) initially fought for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao, and had once received funding from Osama bin Laden’s network, experts say. – With James Mananghaya