JI bombers, Janjalani now in Lanao?

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military has received reports that Asia’s most wanted terrorist has fled to the Lanao provinces, along with the leader of the Abu Sayyaf and another terrorist from the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah.

Maj. Eugene Batara, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information chief, said the unconfirmed reports did not give details on how Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffi Janjalani and JI bombers Dulmatin and Umar Patek were able to pierce the military dragnet in Sulu.

"We cannot discount the reports are part of the misinformation to deceive our troops in Sulu," he said.

"Our intelligence reports have been firm that the leaders or this high-value targets are still in Sulu. They have not escaped."

The troops are getting information and intelligence technical assistance from US forces assigned in Sulu for a humanitarian mission and to train Filipino soldiers.

The training and technical assistance from the American forces is part of the US security assistance program to enhance the capability of Filipino soldiers.

Sources in Sulu revealed the alleged escape of Dulmatin and Janjalani were reportedly spread by some people loyal to former governor Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Batara said troops are under orders from Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. to get the terrorist leaders before Christmas.

"The soldiers’ confidence in getting the high-value targets has been boosted and they are on high morale," he said.

More troops were sent to Sulu to reinforce the 6,000 Army troops and Marines running after the terrorists, Batara said.