Troops deliver ‘devastating blow’ to Sayyaf after leader’s killing

From the Daily Tribune (May 1): Troops deliver ‘devastating blow’ to Sayyaf after leader’s killing

The military yesterday branded as a “devastating blow” to the Abu Sayyaf group the killing of terrorist sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya – tagged as “ruthless” and the second high-profile commanders of the ASG neutralized in more than two weeks.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año noted Misaya’s ability to entice young Tausugs to join the ranks of Abu Sayyaf.

He also described Misaya as among the up and coming terrorist leaders in Sulu.

“It is a devastating blow to the ASG. Misaya is also like Abu Rami considered as a young bold and ruthless ASG leader in charge of kidnapping foreigners and known to be daring ASG terrorist fighter,” Año said.

“His recruitment ability also contributed in radicalizing young

Tausugs. His death will surely diminished ASG’s capability to conduct terrorism particularly kidnapping, stop the recruitment and would lead to the eventual defeat of the whole ASG organization,” he added.

Misaya was killed on Saturday during an encounter with the Marines somewhere in Indanan, Sulu.
He was the second ASG leader killed in the past three weeks.

Abu Rami, also known as Muamar Askali, was killed in Inabanga, Bohol last April 12 during a clash with government forces. Askali’s group allegedly plotted to conduct kidnapping in Bohol – a known tourist destination in Central Visayas.

Both Misaya and Askali have gained notoriety in recent years for staging in daring kidnapping of foreign hostages.

Tagged by the military as a bomb expert, Misaya was involved in many celebrated kidnapping and bombing incidents such as the October 2002 Malagutay bombing that killed American serviceman Sgt. Mark Jackson and the wounding of 23 others, including another US serviceman; the January 2009 bombing of the Salaam Bridge in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu, and the March 2011 bombing of Dennis Coffee Shop at the vicinity of Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu, which killed four civilians and wounded 11 others.

He was the subject of warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Misaya was a native of Barangay Bunot, Indanan in Sulu where was considered among the sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group.

According to Año, the military is continuously receiving surrender feelers from the ASG side but he stressed that government troops will proceed with its relentless efforts against the terrorists.

“We have received many surrender feelers from remaining ASG members. And we shall continue our relentless efforts until we neutralize the last ASG terrorist,” he said.

Among those supposedly sending feelers is ASG top leader Radullan Sahiron, one of the remaining senior commanders of the Abu Sayyaf. He is wanted by the United States with $1-million reward.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman, said Misaya’s killing will bring people-loving people of Sulu closer to security development and would send a stern warning against his followers.

“The neutralization of Misaya adds a big plus on the AFP’s timeline and brings the community a step closer to peace, progress and sustainable security. His followers hopefully get the message that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them and hence, motivate them to turn a new leaf and seriously consider surrendering,” said Padilla.

“It also sends a clear message to the community that supporting criminals will not bring them a better life but only greater misery if they insist on providing them safe havens. The AFP, without doubt, communicated its serious intent in addressing the threat posed by this group and its dedication to serve and secure the people,” he added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/troops-deliver-devastating-blow-to-sayyaf-after-leader-s-killing