PNP files murder charges vs Abu Sayyaf suspects in Jolo blasts

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday filed multiple murder and frustrated murder charges against members of the Abu Sayyaf Group suspected of bombing a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu.

The charges against Kammah Pae, alias Kamah; Albaji Kisae Gadjali, alias Awag; Rajan Bakil Gadjali, alias Radjan; Kaisar Bakil Gadjali, alias Isal; and Salit Alih, alias Papong, were filed before the Sulu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Bernard Banac told INQUIRER.net.

The five suspects have surrendered to police over the weekend due to intense manhunt operation against them, according to PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.

READ: Ajang-Ajang suspects in Jolo cathedral blasts surrender

The PNP also filed charges against 14 other suspects still at large: the group’s leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, alias Imam; Usman Absarah, alias Usman; Barak Ingog, alias Bars or Barak; Makrim Abisi, alias Makrim; Absara alias Bapah Absara, an alias Ebing, and several John and Jane Does.

All suspects are facing 23 counts of murder, 95 counts of frustrated murder, and a case of damage to property, the PNP said.

Albayalde said the suspects were part of a 22-member Abu Sayyaf band led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. The group is allegedly behind the bombings of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral on January 27 that left 23 dead and 95 injured as of Monday.

Three other suspects, including two suicide bombers believed to be Indonesian, have died. A certain Ommal Yusop was killed in a police operation in Patikul on January 29. /ee

READ: Alleged kin of suspect in Jolo blasts dies in shootout