Radullan Sahiron, a senior Abu Sayyaf leader wanted for his alleged involvement in the 1993 kidnapping of an American in the Philippines, has been added to the FBI’s updated list of most-wanted terrorists. A wife of a detained Abu Sayyaf group leader has been detained for her role in a kidnapping plot four years ago.
The government signed a preliminary peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim insurgent group. Under the plan, the 12,000-member MILF gains significant powers in a new autonomous region in Mindanao but surrenders its goal of an independent homeland.
The government reached a preliminary peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front insurgency, agreeing to establish an autonomous Muslim region by 2016 called “Bangsamoro” on the island of Mindanao. After details are hammered out, rebel forces will be gradually deactivated “beyond use.” Groups such as Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Salvation Front have […]
US troops see terrorism threat diminish on Philippine island of Mindanao
Security forces killed three Abu Sayyaf fighters during clashes in the village of Guiong in the southern province of Basilan. Security forces engaged more than 100 Abu Sayaf fighters during the skirmish.
An Indian man held captive for 14 months by Abu Sayyaf militants in Sulu province escaped from his captors. The al Qaeda-linked militants had demanded a ransom but the captive’s family had refused to pay; police said his life was spared because he was a Muslim.
Hundreds of Philippine troops attacked two Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement camps in Maguindanao. Four soldiers and two BISF fighters have been killed during the fighting.
US helps the Philippines improve its military capability
Government troops attacked an encampment of the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group on Basilan island. In the ensuing clash, 16 militants and 20 troops were killed.
Police captured Hadjer Arasani, an Abu Sayyaf operative, during a raid in the city of Lamitan in Basilan province. Arasani was involved int he kidnapping of six Jehovah’s Witnesses and the murder of a police officer.
Jordanian journalist, Filipino TV crew missing in Jolo
Philippines Role May Grow as US Adjusts Asia Strategy
Insurgents commanded by senior Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama killed three militiamen and wounded seven more in an ambush on Basilan island. The militia was attacked as it patrolled a rubber plantation. One insurgent was also killed.
Authorities arrested two Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan province, Serham Akalan and Idris Anni. Akalan was linked to the killing of 14 soldiers in Al-Barka, and Anni was involved in kidnapping workers in Lantawan in 2001. The military estimates that Abu Sayyaf members number fewer than 400.
Police on Basilan island captured Ismael, a.k.a. Patah Hamjak, an Abu Sayyaf operative linked to beheadings, bombings, and a 2009 jailbreak. In Kidapawan, about 50 gunmen killed three people in a failed attempt to spring an Islamic militant from jail.
Exclusive: US military seeks more access in Philippines
The Philippines and the US discussed expanding the American military presence in the country. In preliminary talks, officials on both sides said they are favorably inclined toward a deal.
Muslim rebels say early pact with Manila unlikely
Security forces are searching for six to nine members of the Abu Sayyaf group and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Manila and Rizal province after a presidential decree warned of impending attacks during the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila. Suspected members of Abu Sayyaf blew up a bridge in the southern province […]
Philippine leader warns of possible terror attack
Kidnappings Point to Security Breakdown in Southern Philippines
A Philippine military commander says at least five foreign al-Qaida-linked extremists are hiding on the remote southern island of Jolo. Among the five suspects is Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan; the US has issued a $5 million bounty for information leading to his capture or death.
Security forces arrested an Abu Sayyaf fighter thought to be involved in the beheading of 11 members of the Philippine Marines and the kidnapping of American tourists. The suspect, Boy Abdulphata, who is known as Boy Phata, was nabbed by a joint military and police operation in Kumaralang village, Isabela City in the province of […]
Abu Sayyaf kidnappers demanded a ransom of A$22,600 for the release of Warren Rodwell, an Australian. The military and police searched for more bombs in Mindanao after two explosions injured five people last week in a terrorist campaign by an explosives expert with links to al Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiyah, and Abu Sayyaf.
A roadside bomb killed a civilian and wounded seven soldiers in Mindanao’s Surigao del Sur province. Three people were injured following a grenade attack near a security outpost in Cotabato City.
Jurail Bagsik, a suspected follower of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Khaddafy Janjalani, was arrested in the southern province of Basilan. Indonesia’s foreign minister, in Manila for an official visit, has expressed concern over the continuing smuggling of firearms between Indonesia and the Philippines.
A 14-year-old American boy who had been held hostage was released by his captors on Basilan island; he was kidnapped along with his mother and cousin five months ago. Abu Sayyaf is suspected in the kidnappings. Earlier this week, a 53-year-old Australian man was kidnapped from his home near Basilan.
Police and intelligence officers captured Hussein Ahaddin, an al Qaeda-linked bomber, suspected in at least six attacks, including a 2002 karaoke bar explosion that killed an American Green Beret and a hotel blast this week that killed three people. Police officials said Ahaddin was captured in a remote Zamboanga village called Muti after an antiterror […]
The al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group is responsible for yesterday’s bombing that killed three people and injured 27 others. The bombing took place during a wedding at a hotel in Zamboanga City.
The military has launched an offensive against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the south, threatening peace talks. MILF fighters killed four soldiers and three policemen in an ambush in Zamboanga Sibugay province.