Abu Sayyaf leader Muktadil killed, says Philippines military

MANILA: An Abu Sayyaf leader from Sulu who was linked to kidnappings in Sabah, Malaysia, has been killed, the military said.

Brigadier-General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu commander, identified the dead Abu Sayyaf leader as Badong Muktadil, who together with his brothers, had been linked to cross-border kidnappings in Sabah since 2013.

“The neutralisation of Badong is another big setback for the (Abu Sayyaf), particularly on their kidnapping and terrorist activities, making the residents in Sulu feel some sort of relief from the threat posed by Badong’s group,” BG Sobejana said. He added Muktadil was killed around midnight on Saturday in waters off Barangay Silangkan in Parang, Sulu.

BG Sobejana said several Marines patrolling the waters off Barangay Singkan encountered Muktadil’s group, who were on board a jongkong watercraft, or a speedboat designed to cut through shallow waters.

A firefight ensued between the Marines and the bandits and Muktadil was killed, BG Sobejana said. He further said Muktadil’s body was brought to CGTB Station Hospital in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu, “for proper disposition”.

“JTF Sulu would like to thank concerned citizens and the local government for promptly informing us on the lawless elements that lead to their neutralisation thus thwarting their hostile plans,” he added.

Muktadil was linked to piracy and kidnapping activities in Sulu and in Sabah, Malaysia. He and his group were believed to have been involved in the kidnapping of a Chinese tourist and a Filipino worker from a resort in Semporna, Sabah, in 2014. — Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network