Abu Sayyaf leader Sahiron placed on FBI’s Most Wanted list

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has added a senior leader of Abu Sayyaf to its list of Most Wanted terrorists. Radullan Sahiron is wanted by the FBI for "his alleged involvement in the 1993 kidnapping of an American in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf Group." The American, a Bible translator, was living in the southern Philippines and was kidnapped from his home. According to CNN, the man was held captive for 23 days before being released. Sahiron is described as 5'6" tall, of slight build, with his right arm amputated above his elbow—hence his famous nickname, Kumander Putol. He is thought to be currently in Jolo, Sulu. The FBI, which spells Sahiron's first name "Raddulan," also lists other spelling variants of his name, including "Radulan Sahiron" and "Raddulan Sahirun." The agency believes Sahiron is the overall leader of Abu Sayyaf, and is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest. Sahiron is the second FIlipino to be placed on the most wanted list. Earlier, the FBI offered a $5-million eward for the arrest of another Abu Sayyaf leader, Isnilon Hapilon, who is believed to be operating in Basilan. Among the FBI's criteria for inclusion on the most wanted list are having "indicated a willingness to commit or indicate to commit an act to cause death or serious bodily injury; prepare or plan terrorist activity; gather information on potential targets for terrorist activity; or solicit funds or other things of value for terrorist activity." Sahiron is believed to be behind the kidnapping of journalist Ces Drilon and her companions in Sulu in 2008. Col. Orlando de Leon, commander of the Marine forces in Sulu, welcomed the inclusion of Sahiron on the list. “The FBI is working on a legal framework bringing [Sahiron] to justice and we are also working to bring him to justice. So all efforts are towards that,” he said. — BM, GMA News