AFP chief says Sayyaf 'money' used to lure supporters

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Pio Gregorio Catapang Jr. on Friday remained incredulous toward the alleged hefty ransom money seen in a video by the Abu Sayyaf.

Catapang believes the amount is "counterfeit," adding that the extremist group used it to lure supporters and followers to reinforce its dwindling numbers.

Catapang, who was Zamboanga City after a brief stopover in Basilan, told reporters that the military is still investigating on the video clip released by Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muamar Askali alias Abu Rami on Facebook before deactivating it.

While in Zamboanga, Catapang met Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman and the Basilan mayors to address also the Abu Sayyaf problem in Basilan.

The footage showed packs of P1,000-bill wrapped in transparent plastic each and stacked in huge blocks. An Abu Sayyaf member is seen pulling out a pack to show off the money.

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Catapang maintained that the military is not privy to any ransom paid to the armed militants in exchange for the release of two German hostages last month.

"Sabi ko nga i-check natin baka counterfeit money yon na ipinapakita lang nila so that they can attract more supporters or followers," Catapang said, reacting to questions posed by the media.

Catapang also shrugged off suggestions that his insistence that the money is fake may cause more danger to remaining hostages.

“Well, that's not my problem, huh. We are here to ask them (Abu Sayyaf) they release (the hostages). Whether it's counterfeit money or not it's not our problem," he said.

Catapang also said around 10 to 11 kidnap victims, including 5 foreigners are still being held by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and none of the victims have been monitored in Basilan province.