Abu leaders entrust part of ransom to kin, pals

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Leaders of the Abu Sayyaf have reportedly entrusted for safekeeping part of the ransom money they got in exchange for the release of foreign hostages, to their politician-friends and relatives while on the run from military offensive, an Army field commander said.

The military officer, who requested anonymity, said they are verifying intelligence reports that Abu Sayyaf leaders Ghalib Andang, popularly known as Commander Robot, and Mujib Susukan "have entrusted a portion of the ransom money for safekeeping days before the (military) operation was launched."

The source added that Andang and Susukan bribed villagers to prevent them from squealing on their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, an Abu Sayyaf member was killed in an hour-long encounter in Sitio Naka Gumbang in Talipao, Sulu last Saturday.

This, as nine other extremist rebels turned themselves in also in Talipao.— Roel Pareño