Indon sailors handed over to Janjalani

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three Indonesian seamen snatched from a tugboat off Sulu last June 17 are reportedly now in the hands of Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffi Janjalani.

At first, the kidnappers led by Commander Black Killer wanted to turn over Munto Jacobi Winowatan, Julkipli and Pieter Lerrech to Abu Sayyaf commander Radulan Sahiron but he refused to take the Indonesians, said a top Moro National Liberation Front leader who asked that he not be named.

Commander Black Killer later handed the captives to Janjalani who was said to have readily agreed to hold them in his hideout somewhere in the jungles of Sulu.

Janjalani, who had escaped the massive military offensive in Basilan, has reportedly joined forces with Sahiron, who has refused any monetary offer from other Abu Sayyaf leaders.

Villagers said they have seen the Indonesians in Barangay Taglibi in Patikul town but there are reports that the hostages have not been allowed to leave the jungle.

Abu Sayyaf gunmen keep a tight watch on the Indonesians when they move around the jungle in Patikul, which is a known stronghold of the bandits, reports said.– Roel Pareño