Intel info of ASG kidnapping plans learned early September – source

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines has learned of the plans of the Abu Sayyaf to launch kidnappings two weeks before the abduction of three foreigners and a Filipina.

A military intelligence source said in a phone interview that sub-leader Muammar Askali could be behind the abduction in Samal Island.

The official said that they received reports from a single source early September that the Abu Sayyaf led by Askali, who is based in Sulu, is planning to do kidnappings of foreigners in Davao, General Santos, Dumaguete and Cotabato area.

“On Sept. 6, the information was passed to different units,” the source said.

Askali, a sub leader under Radullan Sahiron, has about 30 to 40 followers. There are about 300 to 400 Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu.

“I can’t confirm nor deny that. Secret yon,” Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said by phone when asked about the existence of the intelligence report.

He said, however, that the Abu Sayyaf is one of the primary suspects of the abduction but they cannot confirm it yet.

“One of our primary suspects is the Abu Sayyaf but we have to confirm that,” he said.

“One possibility kasi. Alam mo naman yung ugali na ganyan. Baka may kumuha na iba tapos pinasa sa iba,” he added.

Baladad said they have diverted all their resources to the efforts to rescue the hostages.

On Monday night, an armed group stormed the Holiday Oceanview Resort in Samal Island, one of the popular luxury resorts there.

They took three foreign hostages— two Canadians and a Norwegian, and a Filipina.

The military and police are doing intensified efforts to locate the captives.

“We have been doing two days na diretso. Critical yung first 48 hours kasi as the days go by, or the hours go by yung radius na paghahanapan mo lumalaki,” Baladad said.

Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino, deputy regional director for operations of Southern Mindanao regional police, said they have “mobilized all policemen in the region, down to the police stations” for the rescue efforts.

“In fact binigyan na namin sila ng mga pictures ng mga nakidnap na victims. Kasi during the conduct of their checkpoints or any operation, at least makikita nila what the victims look like,” he said.