Philippine military confirming reports of Idang Susukan’s death

Idang Susukan is believed to have died on February 4 from injuries sustained in a military offensive on Feb 2. The Star/Asia News Network

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines is still trying to confirm reports that Abu Sayyaf leader Idang Susukan was killed from the recent military operations in Jolo.

“Progress reports from various sources on the ground indicate that Susukan eventually died due to the severe injuries that he sustained in the firefight,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement on Thursday.

Citing intelligence sources, a report from The Star Malaysia said Susukan was injured last February 2 when government troops launched military offensives in Jolo after the deadly twin bombings at a Catholic cathedral there last January 27.

The sources said the Abu Sayyaf leader suffered complications from the injury and died last Monday, February 4.

“Notwithstanding these reports that tend to confirm each other, our troops in the area endeavor to locate his remains for us to conclusively report through DNA test that he indeed is dead,” Arevalo said.

If true, Susukan’s death would be a big blow on the terrorist group, he added.

“He is one of the Abu Sayyaf’s notorious Abu Sayyaf sub-commanders who perpetrated many kidnappings, beheadings and other terrorist attacks to include the twin blast in Jolo Cathedral,” Arevalo said. /kga

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