Sayyaf leader killed in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines – Combined government security forces killed in an encounter an alleged sub-commander of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Basilan.

The slaying of Commander Alimaril Alamirul Friday evening came following the capture of his co-leader Kamsa Lanawalun Limaya Thursday morning.

Anti-kidnapping and anti-terror Task Force Trillium commander, Rear Admiral Alexander Pama said Limaya and Alamirul were both sub-commanders of the Abu Sayyaf Group under the overall leadership of Furuji Indama.

Task Force Trillium spokesman Capt. Niel Estrella said military troops were conducting anti-kidnapping operations at about 10:30 p.m. in Barangay Baguinan, Tipo-Tipo when they encountered about 10 Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

The fighting resulted to the killing of Alamirul who turned out to be the leader of the group, Estrella said.

On Thursday, combined military and police troops intercepted and arrested Limaya in a checkpoint at the vicinity of Sitio Bohe Peyat in Tipo-Tipo proper.

Military and police records showed that Limaya was one of Indama’s top lieutenants and has pending warrants for his arrest for kidnapping charges.

Further, military verification showed that Limaya’s brother Hud Limaya, is a renegade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) based in the troubled province, Estrella said. – With Roel Pareño