Abu Sayyaf leader killed

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – An Abu Sayyaf leader allegedly involved in the Sipadan kidnapping 11 years ago, was killed during an encounter with government troops in Sulu.

The troops encountered the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Jurri Hamsiraji with seven close-in followers in the village of Laum, Maimbung town Sunday noon, according to Brig. Gen. Romy Tanalgo, chief of the anti-terror unit for the Sulu Island Command.

Hamsiraji was one of the remnants of the late Abu Sayyaf leader Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot.

Andang was one of the four Abu Sayyaf leaders who held 21 tourists, including 10 Europeans, nine Malaysians, and two Filipino resort workers in Sipadan Dive Resort off Palau and brought the victims to Sulu.