Dulmatin, Patek now with Hapilon group

MANILA, Philippines – Alleged Indonesian terrorists and members of the Jemaah Islamiyah Dulmatin and Umar Patek have reportedly turned to Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon for fear of betrayal by other local bandit leaders.

A military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The STAR that the two have lost their trust in other Abu Sayyaf commanders, Radullan Sahiron and Albader Parad, who used to protect them in the hinterlands of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“He is now with Hapilon’s group, (whose members) are mostly natives of Basilan, because they fear they might be sold, considering the huge reward for their neutralization,” the military source said.

Dulmatin, who goes by only one name, carries a $10-million bounty on his head, while Patek has $1-million reward for his capture.

Both are wanted for the 2002 Bali resort bombing in Indonesia, which left over 200 dead. It is considered the worst terrorist attack in Southeast Asia.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines had earlier confirmed that Dulmatin and Patek split into two groups to elude government law enforcers running after them in Sulu.

AFP chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon said there are indications that Dulmatin is hiding in remote areas of Tawi-Tawi, while Patek is in  Sulu.

The source said the two are moving freely in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu because the naval blockade meant to prevent their escape was reduced to only two ships patrolling the area.

Dulmatin and Patek are among the 10 to 20 JI members in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Some terrorists are in Central Mindanao.

Since August 2006, the military has been conducting operations in the two provinces to neutralize the remaining leaders of the Abu Sayyaf and their JI cohorts.  – James Mananghaya