Philippines: January 4, 2003

Archives

The remnants of Abu Sayyaf remain quite active in the southern part of the Philippines and continue to carry out terrorist actions, principally abductions. Abu Sayyaf  is currently holding four Filipino Jehovah's Witnesses and three Indonesia tugboat sailors kidnapped in 2002 on Jolo island. Roughly 600 miles south of Manila, the Jolo area is a known base for Abu Sayyaf leaders Galib Andang and Mujib Susukan. These two are suspected of leading a raid on the nearby Malaysian island resort of Sipadan in April 2000, when rebels abducted 21 people (including 10 Western tourists). All except one Filipino hostage were freed, reportedly after Libya paid huge ransoms. 

The military has stepped up their offensive against the Abu Sayyaf and there have been other recent small government victories.  Five soldiers were wounded when NPA rebels ambushed them on Mindanao.- Adam Geibel 


X

ad

Help Keep StrategyPage Open

First came Facebook, then came Twitter, and finally, AI has arrived. They have all caused a decline in our business, but AI may be the deadliest innovation. We are currently in survival mode. Our writers and staff receive no payment in some months, and even when they do, it is below the minimum wage for their efforts. You can support us with your donations or subscriptions. Please help us keep our doors open.

Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on X.

Subscribe   Donate   Close