Youth addicts in Sulu being recruited by Abu Sayyaf: mily officer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Youth addicts in Sulu being recruited by Abu Sayyaf: mily officer
Groups of youths hooked on illegal drugs, called "Ajang-Ajang", are being tapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists to do some of their dirty work, such as the beheading of some hostages, a military officer has said.

If they pass this initiation rite and commit other crimes, then they are deemed worthy to become members of the terrorist group, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said in a video clip presented during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum on Friday.

Sobejana thus dismissed claims that religion plays a part when prospective recruits join the ranks of the Abu Sayyaf.

"The beheading of (innocent civilians and captives) is not mentioned in the Koran or even in the Bible," he said in the video footage.

The "Ajang-Ajang", he said, is also engaged in kidnapping activities and is known to torture their victims.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994637