‘We’re working hard for Janjalani’s arrest’

DAVAO CITY — The military desires nothing but the arrest of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadafy Janjalani, who remains elusive even after several leaders of the terrorist group has been captured, if not killed in recent months.

"Janjalani is our ambition. We are very hungry for him," Lt. Gen. Roy Kyamko, Armed Forces’ Southern Command chief, told The STAR.

Kyamko arrived here on Wednesday night with Gen. Narciso Abaya, Armed Forces chief, who he was accompanying visiting various military units all over Mindanao.

"We are working hard for his arrest. It could be very, very soon," Kyamko said.

However, the Southcom chief refused to put a time-frame for Janjalani’s arrest.

"It is soon and it could be before the May 10 elections or shortly after. But it will be soon. We really want him arrested," he said.

Janjalani is believed to have sought refuge among Abu Sayyaf sympathizers and supporters in Central Mindanao.

"I also cannot tell you where he is hiding. We are working on all of those things," Kyamko said.

He said Abu Sayyaf forces have been drastically reduced as they are always on the run.

"I cannot say that the Abu Sayyaf is a spent force because they still have members. They have just been prevented from expanding and doing what they intended to do," he said. — Edith Regalado