MNLF spokesman claims 3 foreigners rescued from Abu Sayyaf

From GMANews (Feb 6): MNLF spokesman claims 3 foreigners rescued from Abu Sayyaf



Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Khabir Malik (front left) gathers fighters at their camp in Jolo, Sulu on Monday. More than 20 people have been killed in Sulu since Sunday after the MNLF launched a rescue attempt to free Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani who was kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits eight months ago. The MNLF, a group of former Muslim rebels who have made peace with the government, attacked jungle bases of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu to free the Jordanian. Reuters

Following days of fighting, the Moro National Liberation Front spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla on Wednesday claimed that MNLF fighters overran an Abu Sayyaf camp in Sulu and rescued at least three foreign nationals.

But Fontanilla would not say during an interview on radio dzBB if the rescued foreigners included TV journalist Baker Atyani, who had been missing since June 2012.

He also declined to reveal the present whereabouts of the rescued foreigners, saying many groups in Patikul town in Sulu were "interested" in taking custody of them.

But Fontanilla said that the three foreigners were safe in MNLF custody.

However, the dzBB report also quoted MNLF Islamic Council chairman Habib Hashim as saying there has been no fighting Wednesday.

Furthermore, Hashim also said that MNLF chairman Nur Misuari has not authorized Fontanilla to speak for them.

Aslo, Sulu police chief Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra said he has received no report of fighting between the MNLF and Abu Sayyaf, radio dzBB's Tuesday Niu reported.

Government elements

Fontanilla said they plan to turn over the foreigners to the Philippine government but are waiting for the return of chairman Nur Misuari, supposedly from abroad.

"Ang dating niya (Misuari), five days from now o isang linggo," he said.

Fontanilla added that in the process of overrunning the camp, four Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed and these four were "government elements."

"Sana bigyan tuon ito ng gobyerno... ito raw ay mga AWOL," he said, citing initial reports reaching him.

Fontanilla also clarified that the alleged government men were not hostages. When asked if they belonged to either the police force or the military, he would only say, "both sides."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/293741/news/regions/mnlf-spokesman-claims-3-foreigners-rescued-from-abu-sayyaf