CIDG-7 probes Abu Sayyaf's local connections in Inabanga, Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18): CIDG-7 probes Abu Sayyaf's local connections in Inabanga, Bohol

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 is looking into the local connections of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Inabanga, Bohol, an official said Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Hector Amancia, CIDG-7 deputy director, said the local connections paved the way for the bandit group’s entry into Bohol, one of the tourist destinations in Central Visayas.

At least ten suspected ASG members on board three pumpboats entered Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga through the Inabanga River on April 9.

This led to the encounter between the bandit group and government troops on April 11, which resulted in the death of six suspected ASG members, including their leader Muamar Askali, three soldiers and a policeman.

Eight others are still being tracked down by government troops.

Amancia said they are trying to determine whether the couple Constancio and Crisanta Petalco were members of the bandit group.

The Petalcos, in their 60s, were killed during the encounter.

Amancia said their investigation includes the collection of testimonies of witnesses that could be used in filing appropriate charges against the ASG members.

Amancia said some pieces of evidence are now under the custody of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) of the Bohol Provincial Police Office.

Among them are three double-engine boats believed to be used by the armed men in going to Inabangan, Bohol from Sulu, an M4 rifle, two M16 rifles, a .45 pistol, assorted ammunitions, three detonating cords, 49 blasting caps, eight slide switches, 86 red lights and four Korans.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=980782