Abu Sayyaf tagged in kidnapping of Malaysian couple killed in Sulu

A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf linked to the kidnapping of Malaysian couple in Sabah last week was killed in Sulu, the military said on Thursday.

The Abu Sayyaf member identified as Mindas Manda alias Muktader was killed in a shootout with Jolo police officers on Wednesday afternoon, said Colonel Allan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group in Sulu.

Manda refused to surrender to the police and instead engaged them in a firefight and headed towards Muralla Street. An M16 rifle with ammunition was also recovered.

His body was brought to Jolo Municipal Police Station, Arrojado said.

Manda was a part of the Abu Sayyaf based in Tawi-Tawi under sub leaders Idang Susukan, Alhabsy Misaya, Anga Adji and Yasser Igasan. He was involved in a series of kidnapping incidents in Malaysia.

Manda’s death was a result of intelligence-exchange between military and police based in Sulu, Arrojado said. AC