(UPDATED) Alhabsy Misaya – the leader of an Abu Sayyaf subgroup in Indanan, Sulu – is dead, says the military
The Philippine military killed one of the most notorious sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group responsible for kidnapping of foreigners.
Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez of the Western Mindanao Command confirmed on Satuday, April 29, the death of Alhabsy Misaya, the leader of a sub-group based in Indanan, Sulu.
Galvez did not provide details as operations continue to attempt to save the hostages under Misaya's care.
Misaya and his men have been the target of government offensives as the military works to meet a self-imposed deadline to crush the Abu Sayyaf by June 30.
Misaya's group is responsible for the spate of kidnappings of foreigners, particularly Malaysian and Indonesians sailing the waters between the Philippines and neighboring countries.
He was responsible for the kidnapping of 10 Indonesian crewmen of Tugboat Brahman 12 in March 2016 and 5 Malaysian crewmen of Tugboat Serundung 3 in July 2016.
All Indonesian crewmen were released last year after reported payments of ransom. The Malaysians were released this year after a series of clashes with the military.
In January 2017, the military that has grown aggressive because of its own deadline, had scored a major victory against Misaya's group when 12 of his men were killed in clashes in the town of Panamao.
That encounter won medals for the soldiers and officers involved in the operation. (READ: 5 operations vs Abu Sayyaf that won medals for soldiers)
Misaya's death comes shortly after the killing of Muamar Askali – the Abu Sayyaf spokesperson who sailed from Sulu to Bohol – to get more hostages from the famous tourist destination. (READ: ASG leader behind foreigner's kidnap killed in Bohol)
Abu Sayyaf top leader Radullon Sahiron has reportedly sent surrender feelers to the military, too.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/168307-alhabsy-misaya-sulu-abu-sayyaf-killed
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