Abu Sayyaf sub-leader hurt in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, tagged in the kidnapping of a German couple last year, was critically wounded Saturday in special military intelligence assault in the mountain of Patikul town, Sulu, according to security commander.

The attack came as the military forces intensified the hunt against the Abu Sayyaf group believed to be holding three foreigners and a Filipina taken from Samal island off Davao del Norte.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), launched the “Operation Plan Nissan” when they encountered the Ajang-ajang group of the Abu Sayyaf about 11:20 a.m. at the vicinity of Barangay Liang.

Arrojado said the troops critically wounded its leader identified as Ben Saudi during the “brief engagement.”

He said Ben Saudi is the brother of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Aljine Jaelan Mundok alias “Ninok Saparri.”

According to Arrojado, Ben Saudi has three pending warrants of arrest for his involvement in the kidnapping of the German couple in Palawan in April last year.

The kidnap victims, German couple Dr. Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen, were freed following reported payment of 250 million dollars on Oct. 17, 2014.

Arrojado said that the sub-leader leader was also behind the abduction of local Chinese businesswoman Dina Lim Iraham, 45 and her daughter Yahong Lim Tan Chien in Basilan last year.

The mother was freed but the group kept the daughter as captive in Sulu.

Meanwhile, Arrojado said the troops from the 35th Infantry Battalion immediately reinforced the engaged military intelligence units.

“All units on the ground were ordered to establish checkpoint to intercept possible transport of ASG (Abu Sayyaf group) casualties to nearby hospital in Jolo,” Arrojado said.

He also said that they have coordinated with police forces in apprehending any Abu Sayyaf group members brought to the hospital.