The military's Joint Task Force ZAMBASULTA is looking into
reports that the 10 Indonesian crewmen of the tugboat Brahma-12, who were
abducted by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits off Tawi-Tawi, are now in Sulu.
The Brahma-12, also an Indonesian-owned tugboat, along with
a sister vessel, was towing a barge laden with 7,000 tons of coal, when
allegedly attacked by the bandits last week.
It was en route from Puting river in Banjarmasin
in Indonesia 's South
Kalimantan province to the Batangas in the Philippines
Local authorities found Brahma-12 abandoned off Languyan Island
ZAMBASULTA is short for Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and
Tawi-Tawi.
This was disclosed by Joint Task Force ZAMBASULTA deputy
commander Major Gen. Demy Tejares Tuesday.
"Allegedly, they (Indonesian crewmembers) were taken to
Sulu," he added.
Tejares said this information is based on their
"sources from the ground."
He defined the latter as tips coming from friendly civilians
in the area or anybody who can give information to military intelligence units.
Through these sources, Tejares said that it possible that
the ASG's Misaya Group is behind the abduction.
"According to reports, the abduction was perpetuated by
Misaya's group, a sub-commander of ASG leader Radullan Sahiron. A lot of
information is pointing out that the victims were taken to Sulu. So (we are
constantly) monitoring Sulu," he said.
Tejares said that all units of Joint Task Group ZAMBASULTA
are directed to conduct operations that will pressure Sahiron and determine the
exact whereabouts of the Indonesian crew and their status and know exactly the
identities of the suspects behind the incident.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871014
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