Misuari vows not to stop bid to free Abu Sayyaf hostages

Nur Misuari

MANILA, Philippines— Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari said hundreds of his armed fighters will continue efforts to free foreign hostages held by al-Qaeda-linked gunmen in Mindanao despite a clash last week that killed scores of combatants from both sides.

Misuari told The Associated Press late Tuesday that he ordered his men to reassess their plans following the February 3 clash but to resume efforts aimed at securing the safe release of several hostages, including a Jordanian and two European men, held by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Sulu province.

Misuari said the clash killed eight MNLF combatants from his group, including a commander, and several gunmen from the Abu Sayyaf, many members of which have fled from their jungle strongholds in Sulu’s mountainous Patikul town.