Abu Sayyaf regrouping, but gov‘t vows to crush them

From the Manila Standard (Sep 28): Abu Sayyaf regrouping, but gov‘t vows to crush them

The Duterte administration is ready to face the threats of kidnapping for ransom by the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Palace said Thursday, following reports members have been regrouping to conduct cross-border kidnappings in Mindanao.

After nearly two years of being on the run, the ASG steps again its business of kidnapping for ransom as some of the group’s sub-commanders have regrouped. The Star, a Malaysian newspaper, reported the group posed fresh threats in the east coast of Sabah.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the government was prepared to meet the possible trouble brought by the known kidnap-for-ransom group.

“Well, I can only say that we are ready to face the threat of the Abu Sayyaf. They need to regroup because we already have pulverized them,” Roque told a Palace press briefing Thursday.

“And you can expect that even if they do all sorts of recruitment, our government can easily crush them,” he said.

The report said the sub-commanders Indang Susukan and Hatib Sawadjan, still alive, were plotting to conduct a cross-border kidnapping, claiming they have received finances from political figures in Mindanao who oppose the Bangsamoro Organic Law. ​

http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/276602/abu-sayyaf-regrouping-but-gov-t-vows-to-crush-them.html