AFP: Terrorist designation to limit Abu Sayyaf movement

From the Philippine Star (Jun 17, 2022): AFP: Terrorist designation to limit Abu Sayyaf movement (By Roel Pareño)

The movement of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group will be more limited after the Anti-Terror Council (ATC) designated as terrorists five of its subleaders tagged in cross-border kidnapping activities, the military said yesterday.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command, said military pressure would continue against the remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf, whose factions have links with Dawlah Islamiya and the international terrorist organization Islamic State.

“It is a welcome development because it will strengthen the legitimacy of our military operations against the Abu Sayyaf, not only in Sulu, but also in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga peninsula and in other parts of the country,” Rosario said.

Designated as terrorists by the ATC were Basaron Arok, Ellam Sajirin, Madjid Said, Mura Asgali Kayawan and Tawakkal Bayali, who use several aliases to mislead authorities.

Some of the names listed by the ATC were also among 20 Abu Sayyaf personalities included in a wanted list recently issued by Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Command.

The ATC said the five were involved in planning, training, preparing and facilitating acts of terrorism as well as recruitment.

Rosario said the ATC designation would cut off any financial channel between local and overseas terror groups.

“This is beneficial to the military and the Filipinos. It will be instrumental in ending the threat brought by Abu Sayyaf in the country,” Rosario said.

He said the military pressure exerted against the bandits is complemented with the development of areas in Basilan and Sulu that were formerly occupied by the Abu Sayyaf.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/06/17/2189019/afp-terrorist-designation-limit-abu-sayyaf-movement