Abu Sayyaf commander hurt in military operation

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon was wounded during a recent military operation in Basilan, a security official said yesterday.

Navy Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad, chief of staff of Joint Task Force ZambaSulTa, said the troops encountered Hapilon and his cohorts in Barangay Baiwas on Oct. 25.  

Trinidad said the bandit leader suffered bullet wounds in the leg and back, but managed to escape.

Hapilon is wanted by the US government for the kidnapping of three Americans, who were among  21 people seized from the Dos Palmas resort in  Palawan in 2001. A $5-million bounty was offered for his arrest.

One of the kidnap victims, Guillermo Sobero, was beheaded. Martin Burnham was killed while his wife, Gracia, was wounded in the rescue operations.

Earlier reports said Hapilon and his cohorts have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and had hoisted the black flags of ISIS.

Trinidad said pursuit operations against Hapilon and his group are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Mhadie Umangkat Sahirin, leader of the auxiliary group of the Abu Sayyaf led by Furiji Indama, was arrested in Barangay Tugbungan in Zamboanga City yesterday.

Trinidad said Sahirin, who is believed to be on a kidnapping mission, is wanted for murder and frustrated murder of civilians and soldiers in Barangay Cabengbeng in Sumisip town.