Rescue try for detained Abus foiled

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Jail guards prevented an attempt by the Abu Sayyaf to rescue 56 detained bandits from a jail facility here Monday, officials said yesterday. 

The attempt was uncovered after a prison guard found three .45 caliber pistols with magazines in two charcoal stoves that were about to be taken into the facility.

Jail warden Chief Inspector Julius Arro said the guns and magazines were placed in the base of the stoves.

Arro said the stoves were delivered separately by two women, whose faces were covered with veils. He said the bandits were supposed to execute the rescue at around 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. 

He said the bandits planned to shoot the guards on duty and take hostages.

“This could have been bloody as the bandits were ready to kill to set their comrades free,” Arro said.

The jail official said the foiled attempt confirmed last year’s intelligence report about an alleged plot to rescue 56 bandits, including Abu Sayyaf leaders Bensar Indama, Patek Samson and Dan Hajirul.

Arro said the group planned to resort to diversionary tactics to distract the jail’s security personnel. 

Authorities are tracking down the two women who tried to slip the guns into the facility.