Abu Sayyaf commander killed in Basilan

A sub-commander of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf linked to various kidnapping and bombing incidents in the past was killed in a special military operation in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, a regional military commander said Friday. Major General Ben Dolorfino, chief of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), identified the slain bandit as Abdulla Ajijul also known as Abu Termije, who carries a P3.3-million bounty for his neutralization or capture. Temije died during a military operation at Sitio Baquison in Cambug village in Al Barka town last Wednesday. "He is an ASG urban terrorist leader based in Zamboanga City responsible for kidnapping and bombing incidents in the area," Dolorfino said in a text message to reporters, adding that the suspect has a pending warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Government troops recovered M653 rifle with scope and a Motorola radio during the operation, Dolorfino said. The Abu Sayyaf, which has been linked to international terror group al-Qaeda, has been tagged as the ones behind several kidnapping and bombing incidents in the past. They are known to operate mainly in Basilan and Sulu. [See: Abu Sayyaf atrocities] Last November 14, the body of a school principal beheaded by alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf was found in Patikul town in Sulu. [See: Body of beheaded school principal recovered] President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has time and again ordered the military and police to lick the Abu Sayyaf problem in southern Philippines. - GMANews.TV