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Bandits Spokesman Still in Basilan: Philippine Army
Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Sabaya has not escaped the military dragnet in the southern Philippine island of Basilan, the armed forces said Monday, denying the chance of Sabaya crossing the water separating Basilan and Zamboanga de Sur.
"It (escape) is not yet confirmed. We believe Sabaya is still in Basilan," Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. General Edilberto Adan told reporters.
Basilan Governor Wahab Akbar has said Sabaya has fled to Zaboanga de Sur and is under the protection of a local Muslim armed group related to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim secessionist group.
Adan said Akbar may have gotten the wrong information. "We wouldn't want to make a judgment but his statement in the past needed further verification ..." he noted.
On whereabouts of the 18 hostages abducted by Abu Sayyaf from different locations, Adan said they are believed to be in the areas of Lamitan, Lantawan and Turburan towns in Basilan, adding that the Armed Forces has not received report that the hostages have been harmed.
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