Abus disperse to evade gov’t dragnet

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khaddafi Janjalani has reportedly split from his core group in Sulu, as other bandit leaders tried to disperse into smaller groups to escape a mounting military offensive.

But Brig. Gen. Alexander Aleo, commander of the Army’s 104th Brigade in Jolo, said the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu led by Radulan Sahiron, Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot, and Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu Pula are still intact.

"However, the leadership moved out from Patikul after our troops attacked their position early last week, which left undetermined enemy casualties," he said.

A Marine was killed and 11 others were wounded in last Wednesday’s encounter in Mt. Bagsak, a hostile jungle hideout of the Abu Sayyaf, where they held most of their hostages, including Roland Ullah who claimed to have escaped from captivity Friday.

Aleo said the military has received reports that the Abu Sayyaf and their leaders have moved out of Patikul and are heading towards an undisclosed location.

"We have reports that Khaddafi Janjalani broke out from the main group and troops are trying to track down his location," he said. "We have prepared the troops."

Aleo said Janjalani could have fled after one of his lieutenants, Kalaw Jaljalis, was captured by troops early last week in Patikul.

"(Without worrying about any hostages in bandits’ hands), the troops can move freely (in) attacking the Abu Sayyaf and we hope this would be fast to neutralize the group," he said. – Roel Pareño