Militants on the move with captives

KOTA KINABALU: The Abu Sayyaf militants who are keeping five Malaysians captive in the southern Philippine island of Jolo appear to be on the move constantly despite intensified military operations against them.

Jolo-based anti-kidnapping activist Prof Octavio Dinampo said the five were currently being held within the mountainous forests of Talipao municipality on the island.

“The area is strategic for the gunmen as they can easily move to the nearby municipa­lities of Indanan and Patikul,” he said.

Octavio said the gunmen appeared determined to hold on to their captives despite having to evade soldiers and risk serious casualties.

The five tugboat crewmen were abducted on July 18 in waters off Dent Haven in what is believed to be the first ever kidnapping in broad daylight.

They are Abd Rahim Summas, 62, Tayudin Anjut, 45, Fandy Bakran, 26, Mohd Zumadil Rahim, 23, all from Tawau and Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32, from Pahang.

Octavio said among the key Abu Sayyaf casualties during the current offensive was Radulan Sahiron who was reportedly injured in a firefight. His fate remains unknown.

He said the intensified military offensives against the gunmen that were initially focused in mountainous jungles and villages on the island now moved closer to the main town of Jolo.

“Gunshots and explosions were heard some 1km from Jolo town on Saturday,” he said.

It was reported that three soldiers and 10 Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed during a mi­­litary offensive over the weekend in Jolo island.

Troops engaged around 150 Abu Sayyaf members led by top leader Radullan Sahiron and sub leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Yasser Igasan and Mujer Yadah in Patikul.

Some 21 soldiers and six Abu Sayyaf gunmen were also injured in the two-hour firefight.