AFP seeks custody of Sayyaf leader

MANILA, Philippines — For security reasons, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) wants to have custody over arrested Abu Sayyaf leader Abduljihad Susukan, alias Idang.

This developed as the military assured the public that it is ready to counter any attempt by the Abu Sayyaf bandit group to retaliate over the arrest of Susukan.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), which has custody of Susukan, also wants the bandit leader transferred to the military, according to AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo.

“We subscribe to the rule of law. Susukan must be made to answer for the henious crimes he committed – 23 murder, five kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and six frustrated murder cases,” Arevalo said.

“This shows how deeply connected Susukan is to the heart and core of the operations of the Abu Sayyaf,” he added.

Arevalo said the AFP and the PNP would file before the court a joint motion to transfer custody of Susukan.

The arrest of Susukan is a major blow to the bandit group.

The military is expecting Susukan’s followers to retaliate.

Susukan’s terrorist siblings Mujib and Almujihad were neutralized in an encounter in 2003 and arrested in 2009, respectively.

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, has ordered the military’s frontline commanders to institute all necessary measures, including intensifying intelligence operations and coordination with local government units (LGUs), Arevalo said.

He said intelligence operations and coordination with LGUs are vital in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf.

More military personnel will be deployed in strategic areas to work with the PNP and force multipliers in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga peninsula.

The AFP did not set a deadline to end the Abu Sayyaf problem, but aims to attain it under the Duterte administration.

“We can say that we are at it, we are on the right track,” Arevalo said, noting the number of bandits who were neutralized or have surrendered as well as those who expressed their intentions to return to the fold of the law.