MNLF joins hunt for Abu, JI leaders

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A military official confirmed yesterday that the mainstream Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has joined the Armed Forces in the hunt for leaders of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah in Sulu.

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, who chairs the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), said MNLF members joined government troops in an operation against the terrorists in Pandan-pandan, Kalinggalang Kaluang.

"This showed the sincerity of the MNLF in helping the government neutralize the terrorists," he said.

Dolorfino, current chief of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command, was here yesterday to escort jailed former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari who flew to Jolo to register as a voter.

Dolorfino said the MNLF has joined military operations since the Ramadan, vowing not to give Abu Sayyaf rebels sanctuary in any of its camps.

Meanwhile, Dolorfino said Jemaah Islamiyah bombers Dulmatin and Umar Patek and Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani are still holed up in the jungles of Sulu, based on information from MNLF commanders working with the AHJAG.

Dolorfino said this debunked reports that the two terrorists are now hiding in Central Mindanao.

"Except for one commander, the high-value targets are still hiding in Sulu," he said.

Dolorfino said Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon has slipped back to Basilan.