‘Arrest of Abu Sabaya’s sister to sustain drive vs Abu Sayyaf’

The Department of Justice (DOJ) welcomed the arrest of the sister of slain Abu Sayyaf leader and spokesman Abu Sabaya, saying she was a major component in sustaining the bandit group’s kidnapping operations.

Prosecutors said the arrest of Sitra Tilao ended the kidnapping operations by the Abu Sayyaf where she was reportedly acting as the collector of the balance of the ransom payments from the victims of the kidnapping from a plush resort in Palawan in 2001.

Tilao is the elder sister of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Aldam Tilao, alias Abu Sabaya, who was killed during an encounter with the military off Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte in June 2002.

Prosecutors said the Anti-Money Laundering Council is focusing its investigation on Tilao since some of the ransom payments she had collected have been deposited in her bank accounts.

Her residence in Basilan, authorities added, is a virtual warehouse of the bandit group for their food supplies and other basic needs.

Tilao was arrested Friday in Barangay Tabuk in Isabela City, Basilan on the strength of a warrant issued by the Pasig regional trial court as being an accomplice of the Abu Sayyaf in several kidnap-for-ransom cases.

Prosecutors called on the kidnap victims to identify Tilao who will be presented by the DOJ tomorrow before the Pasig court.

Sources said the participation of Tilao in the kidnapping operations of the Abu Sayyaf were so detailed, prompting the issuance of a warrant for her arrest.

Tilao’s arrest is expected to boost the government’s campaign against the bandit group which had been listed among the foreign terrorist organization by the US and European countries.

The Abu Sayyaf went on a kidnapping spree starting in 2000 with the abduction of several foreign hostages, among them Americans Jeffrey Schilling, Guillermo Sobero and missionary spouses Martin and Gracia Burnham.

Mrs. Burnham was rescued but her husband Martin along with another Filipino nurse Edibora Yap were killed during the military rescue operation on June 7, 2002. — Aurea Calica