Abu leader killed

MANILA, Philippines - An Abu Sayyaf urban terrorist group leader tagged as behind the series of kidnappings in Zamboanga was killed in a military-led intelligence sting operation in Basilan before noon Thursday.

The slaying of Abdulla Ajijul alias Abu Termijie was a result of the military’s ongoing anti-kidnapping operations in Zamboanga and in Basilan, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) commander said. He said military agents cornered and killed Ajijul in a brief firefight at his safehouse in Sitio Baguisong, Barangay Cambug, Al Barka, Basilan at about 11:30 a.m. the other day. Seized from the slain Abu Sayyaf urban terrorist leader was an M-653 rifle (Galil) with scope and a motorola radio.

“He is an ASG urban terrorist leader based in Zamboanga City responsible for kidnapping and bombing incidents in the city,” Dolorfino said.

Ajijul, according to Dolorfino has a pending warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges under Criminal Case 815-3 of NCR-RTC. He had reward money of P3.3 million. – Jaime Laude, James Mananghaya