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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