Abu leader tagged in German couple’s kidnap hurt in clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Abu Sayyaf leader, tagged as among the bandits behind the kidnapping of a German couple last year, was critically wounded in a firefight with government troops in Patikul, Sulu yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said the troops are pursuing Ben Saudi after he was able to escape despite being wounded in a firefight in Barangay Liang.

Arrojado said Saudi is the brother of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Aljine Jaelan Mundok alias Ninok Saparri.

Saudi has three pending warrants of arrest for his involvement in the kidnapping of the German couple in Palawan in April last year.

German couple Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen were freed following reported payment of P250-million ransom on Oct. 17 last year.

Arrojado added Saudi was also behind the kidnapping of businesswoman Dina Lim Iraham, 45, and her daughter Yahong Lim Tan Chien in Basilan last year.

The mother was freed but the bandits kept the daughter as captive in Sulu.

Arrojado said the troops were ordered to coordinate with the police and monitor all hospitals in Sulu for Saudi and other Abu Sayyaf rebels who were wounded in the firefight.

“All units on the ground were ordered to establish checkpoint to intercept possible transport of Abu Sayyaf casualties to nearby hospital in Jolo,” he said.