Sabah east coast on Abu Sayyaf radar


KOTA KINABALU: After a key Abu Sayyaf sub-commander escaped death in an armed assault, there are concerns that militants are still eyeing Sabah’s east coast for their kidnappings despite the recent Philip­pine military crackdown in their stronghold in Jolo.

Regional intelligence sources said Hatib Hajan Sawadjan, who is trying to marshal his forces to kidnap high-value targets in Sabah waters, escaped unhurt in Friday’s 90-minute combat in Jolo island.

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