‘IT COULD’VE BEEN PREVENTED’: Authorities received intel on ASG kidnap plan before Samal Island abductions

From GMA News (Sep 23): ‘IT COULD’VE BEEN PREVENTED’: Authorities received intel on ASG kidnap plan before Samal Island abductions

[Video report: 24Oras: Intel ng planong pagdukot sa resort, noong Hunyo pa raw natanggap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBvyJ4D6tkQ]

Information that the Abu Sayyaf Group had been planning to kidnap foreigners and tourists in some of the resorts in Samal Island had circulated within the intelligence community as early as June, a security expert told GMA News on Wednesday.

Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said the abduction of three foreigners and their Filipino woman companion could have been prevented with the information.

"Kung nakarating sa akin, makakarating 'yan sa intelligence units natin kaya pwede siyang ma-prevent dahil umiikot na sa mga piling tao yung information," Banlaoi told GMA News.

Anong nangyari sa pagma-manage natin ng intelligence information? Kung yung intelligence information ay nakarating sa akin, ina-anticipate ko na nakarating 'yun dapat sa otoridad at nagkaroon na ng tamang measures para ma-prevent yung mga plano nila," he added.

Senior Superintendent Robert Fajardo of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group told GMA News that the unit  received information on the ASG's plan to kidnap individuals in Samal Island and intensified security in the area.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed receiving the same information.

"We have that information but hangga't hindi natin nako-confirm, it just only raw information," said Col. Noel Detoyato, the chief of the AFP Public Information Office.

'Civilian group working with Abu Sayyaf'

Banlaoi said a civilian group known for kidnapping for ransom was behind the abduction and passed the hostages to the ASG.

According to Banlaoi, the group is led by an ASG sub-commander known as Sawadjaan.

"Pag nakuha na niya ang target, tina-transfer niya para sa Abu Sayyaf Group para ang ASG na ang makipag negotiate for a higher ransom payment," Banlaoi said. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/538072/news/nation/authorities-received-intel-on-asg-kidnap-plan-before-samal-island-abductions