593-609
November 18, 2000, ABS-CBN, Gov't to sequester Abu Sayyaf ill-gotten properties,
November 26, 2000, ABS-CBN, One Abu Sayyaf killed in military clash,
November 26, 2000, The Manila Times, AFP fears Abu attacks on civilians, by Maritess Fernandez,
November 28, 2000, AP, Troops Placed On High Alert In Southern Philippines,
November 28, 2000, ABS-CBN, Renegade Abu leader Abdul Midjal killed in clash,
November 28, 2000, AFP, Abu Sayyaf renews threat to behead American hostage,
November 29, 2000, ABS-CBN, Schilling, Ullah still alive -- Palace,
November 29, 2000, ABS-CBN, Basilan residents confirm military torture of Midjal,
December 1, 2000, AP, Philippine Muslim Rebels Claim Spokesman Is Dead,
December 3, 2000, Bernama, "Pasir Sandera" sends strong message to would-be raiders, by Mohd Haikal Isa,
December 4, 2000, ABS-CBN, Schilling roaming in Jolo?,
December 5, 2000, ABS-CBN, Four killed, 24 hurt in Abu Sayyaf clashes in Sulu,
December 9, 2000, ABS-CBN, FLASH REPORT: Robot injured in gun battle,
December 10, 2000, ABS-CBN, "Injured" Kumander Robot spotted in Jolo,
December 12, 2000, AFP, Estrada to file lawsuit against German magazine,
December 13, 2000, ABS-CBN, German cops disprove Abu ransom kickback story,
December 13, 2000, The Manila Times, 'Robot' to surrender,
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593
November 18, 2000, ABS-CBN, Gov't to sequester Abu Sayyaf ill-gotten properties,
ZAMBOANGA CITY (ABS-CBN) - The government is undertaking legal moves to sequester properties reportedly acquired by the Abu Sayyaf using the ransom money it amassed from kidnapping activities in Sulu.
Local residents of the war-torn province said the bandit group has recently bought at least eight house and lot units in Indanan town, Maj. Gen. Narciso Abaya, commander of the Philippine Army's First Infantry Division (ID) disclosed Friday.
Abaya however said, these reports have yet to be confirmed. Despite this, Abaya said they are now in the process of consulting legal experts on how the government can seize the supposed Abu Sayyaf's ill-gotten properties.
Reports are rife that the Abu Sayyaf amassed millions of dollars during the course of the hostage crisis in Sulu, Mindanao. The group reportedly demanded $1 million for the freedom of each captive taken from the Sipadan diving resort in Malaysia last April 23.
Last August, two suspected Abu Sayyaf members were arrested by Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) agents while trying to change some US$245,000 at the Land Bank of the Philippines in Zamboanga City.
They were later released after posting bail of P120,000 each.
Police authorities in Cebu were also placed on alert after receiving reports that an unidentified Muslim exchanged US$4,000 in four branches of an undisclosed bank last October. But follow-up reports have yielded to no arrests.
Meanwhile, Abaya said the government is unlikely to resume any negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf for the release of remaining hostages -- Filipino Roland Ullah, the only remnant of the group of Sipadan hostages and American-Muslim convert Jeffrey Schilling.
Abaya, head of the main military unit that led the siege against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu last September, explained that because the government has launched offensives against the bandit group, there should be no more turning back.
"It's no longer a policy of the government to continue the negotiations since the final option is attack," the military officer said.
Early this week, bandit spokesman Abu Sabaya announced on a local radio that they are still open for negotiations with the government.
The military has so far initiated 120 attacks against the extremist group in Sulu and Basilan. Their latest statistics also reveal 192 Abu Sayyaf bandits have been killed, 13 of whom were sub-commanders.
The government, on the other hand, has so far suffered nine casualties.
At least 173 bandits have been captured while 229 others voluntarily surrendered. Close to 700 firearms have been confiscated or destroyed.
The military has also significantly disabled the bandit group's mobility and communication assets after confiscating 16 four-wheel vehicles, 9 motorcycles and 19 water crafts.
With this, the military is hopeful the bandit group will be totally neutralized soon and are optimistic they can finish their assault against the group before the December deadline earlier set by military officials.
(With a report from David Santos)
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November 26, 2000, ABS-CBN, One Abu Sayyaf killed in military clash,
ZAMBOANGA CITY (ABS-CBN) - Members of the military on a mission to rescue American hostage Jeffrey Schilling and Filipino Ronaldo Ullah being held by the Abu Sayyaf killed one rebel in a clash this week in Jolo, the military said Saturday.
The Associated Press said the troops chanced upon a band of Abu Sayyaf gunmen in a village in Patikul town on Jolo Friday, triggering a 10-minute clash that left one rebel dead. The other rebels fled into a forest.
There were no government casualties.
The government has pressed on with the operation to rescue Schilling and Ullah.
The military launched an operation to rescue originally 19 people held by the Abu Sayyaf on September 16. Seventeen of the captives have been rescued or had escaped during the operation, leaving Schilling and Ullah still in rebel hands.
In an interview last week, Schilling, a Muslim convert from Oakland, California, said he is being kept in chains and is losing hope he would be released.
Ullah, the longest-held hostage, was seized in April along with 20 other tourists and workers from the Malaysian resort of Sipadan and brought to Jolo.
The rebels later abducted scores of other hostages.
The other Sipadan hostages were released in separate groups in exchange for more than $15 million in ransom, hostage negotiators said.
The Abu Sayyaf is the smaller but more radical of two Muslim rebel groups fighting for an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines.
The military, however, considers it a bandit group engaged in ransom kidnappings and attacks against Christians.
The military said at least 183 Abu Sayyaf members have been killed and more than 210 others have surrendered since it launched the rescue operation.
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595
November 26, 2000, The Manila Times, AFP fears Abu attacks on civilians, by Maritess Fernandez, Mindanao News Bureau
ZAMBOANGA CITY—Military and police authorities have tightened security in Sulu's capital town of Jolo on fears that Abu Sayyaf terrorists might strike on civilian targets to retaliate against the ongoing military offensive in the province.
"We have received reports that they would resort to bombings and arson to ease the pressure of the government offensive against them," provincial police chief Candido Casimiro said.
Casimiro said reported sightings of Abu Sayyaf bands in the capital town somehow confirm the intelligence reports on the rebels' movements.
"The heat is too much in the upland rebel camps, so they have decided to come down and mix with the population," Casimiro added.
He said he has ordered round-the-clock police patrols in public places, government buildings and public utility installations in the city.
Meanwhile, Army soldiers killed one Abu Sayyaf rebel in sporadic fightings in Sulu province, officials said, as the military and police continue their search for a kidnapped American and a Filipino in the province.
Regional Army spokesman Col. Hilario Atendido said security forces clashed with the bandits late Friday afternoon in the village of Lati in the town of Patikul.
Atendido said a member of the Muslim extremist group was killed in the clash. The rebels fled when more government soldiers arrived in the village, he said. "There were no military casualties."
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding captive Jeffrey Schilling and Roland Ullah in the hinterlands of Sulu, a predominantly Muslim province about 1,000 kms. south of Manila.
MILF ambush
In another development, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels ambushed a military convoy in Mindanao and wounded five Army soldiers, including two officers, the Southern Command said Saturday.
The military said guerrillas attacked a jeep and a truck with anti-tank rockets late Thursday in the village of Bagan in Maguindanao's Talayan town.
"A captain, a lieutenant and three infantrymen were wounded in the attack," Atendido said.
He said the soldiers were on their way to an Army base in Awang town when the rebels ambushed them.
"Troops, backed by two armored vehicles, were sent to reinforce the soldiers and engaged the rebels in a five-hour fighting until the MILF forces retreated," Atendido said.
There were no reports of casualties on the MILF side, he said.
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596
November 28, 2000, AP, Troops Placed On High Alert In Southern Philippines,
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AP)--Government troops were placed on high alert and tight security was ordered around military camps in the southern Philippines for possible Muslim rebel attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, the military said Monday.
Military intelligence reports indicated the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the extremist Abu Sayyaf group plan attacks against government and civilian targets, said Col. Hilario Atendido, spokesman for the military's Southern Command.
The alert comes as Muslims began observing the holy month of Ramadan. Rebels have been known to stage attacks during Ramadan, Atendido said.
The Southern Command headquarters in Zamboanga, about 530 miles south of Manila, has been on red alert since Sunday. Helmeted soldiers thoroughly search vehicles going into the camp for weapons and explosives, Atendido said.
On Saturday, troops retook a major Muslim rebel camp after several days of fighting, including heavy bombardment by howitzer cannons, that left at least 10 MILF rebels dead, the military said.
Camp Bushra, located in the hinterlands of Butig town in Lanao del Sur province, was the MILF's main training ground until it was first overrun by the military in late May during a government offensive against guerrilla camps in the southern Mindanao region.
The MILF then attempted to re-establish smaller camps in the area, the military said.
The MILF is the larger of two groups fighting for an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines.
The more radical Abu Sayyaf is holding an American and a Filipino hostage on southern Jolo island. The military regards it as a bandit group.
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597
November 28, 2000, ABS-CBN, Renegade Abu leader Abdul Midjal killed in clash,
ZAMBOANGA (ABS-CBN) - The military confirmed former Abu Sayyaf group leader Abdul Midjal was killed by patrolling military men in Sumisip town, Basilan province, on Sunday.
The military confirmed a clash between the bandit group ensued which resulted to the killing of Midjal, but refused to release details of the clash, a news wire report said.
Early this year, Midjal's group seized Abu Sayyaf leader Khadafy Janjalani's mother, his pregnant wife, their one-year-old child, and eight other clan members in an attempt to force the Abu Sayyaf to free hostages, including two of Midjal's daughters.
A Catholic priest, students and teachers were among about 80 people seized by the bandits on March 20 from two schools in Basilan.
The rebels freed some of the hostages as troops pursued them on the day of the abduction. Another group of 18 teachers and students were released a few days later following negotiations between the bandits and local officials.
Midjal threatened to kill Janjalani's relatives if the rebels harmed any of their captives. The rebels beheaded two male teachers, but Midjal did not carry out his threat.
The military later rescued the remaining Abu Sayyaf hostages, but three other teachers and the priest were killed by the rebels.
Authorities later persuaded Midjal to free his captives in exchange for the release of some of the hostages.
In interviews earlier this year, Midjal said he broke away from the Abu Sayyaf and formed a vigilante group to fight his former comrades because he could no longer support their activities, including kidnappings and attacks on Christian communities.
Later in April, other Abu Sayyaf factions seized 21 foreign tourists and workers from Malaysia's Sipadan resort and brought them to Jolo island. Twenty of the hostages have been freed in exchange for more than US$15 million in ransom, negotiators said.
The 21st hostage, Filipino Roland Ulla, is still being held by the group of Ghalib Andang alias Kumander Robot along with American Jeffrey Schilling, who was seized by the rebels in August.
Meanwhile, fierce encounters between the military and the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu continued over the weekend.
Reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Command revealed, military troops engaged groups of fully armed bandits in Talipao, Patikul, Maimbung and Panamao starting Friday last week.
An undetermined number of bandits were reportedly killed in the skirmishes.
The government forces also recovered a number of firearms in Panamano after minutes of firefight against the bandits.
Southern Command spokesperson Hilario Atendido said, the offensive operations against the Abu Sayyaf will continue until they safely recover Schilling and Ullah.
(With a report from Associated Press)
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November 28, 2000, AFP, Abu Sayyaf renews threat to behead American hostage,
MANILA (AFP) - Muslim extremist guerrillas on Monday renewed a threat to behead an American captive held in the southern Philippines, a senior aide to President Joseph Estrada told AFP.
Former chief hostage negotiator Robert Aventajado said Abu Sayyaf commander Abu Sabaya asked him to re-start negotiations for American Jeffrey Schilling, a 24-year-old tourist, who they abducted in August on southern Jolo island.
"He called me at about 10:00 this morning (0200 GMT). He asked for my help to start government negotiations, but I told him the president has already dismantled the negotiating team," Aventajado said.
"I told him 'let me see if I can do anything' and asked him to call me in two days," he said.
He said Sabaya told him he has also contacted a local television network for help and warned that his group would behead Schilling if teh government did not negotiate for his release.
Aventajado said Sabaya told him the guerrillas have now slipped out of Jolo island and are on nearby Basilan island with Schilling, who was earlier reported to be suffering from various illnesses.
Angered by the Abu Sayyaf's kidnapping spree that has embarrassed his government, President Estrada in September ordered a massive military assault to rescue a group of 19 hostages that were still being held by the rebels at that time.
Two Frenchmen, 12 Filipino Christian preachers and three Malaysians have either been freed or rescued since then, leaving just two -- Schilling and Filipino divemaster Roland Ullah.
Ullah is the last of the Abu Sayyaf's original 21 captives seized from the Malaysian resort of Sipadan in April. The others were freed following negotiations spearheaded by Aventajado and brokered by the Libyan government.
Sources, however, have said the hostages were ransomed off for millions of dollars.
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599
November 29, 2000, ABS-CBN, Schilling, Ullah still alive -- Palace,
MANILA, (ABS-CBN) -- While they may not be in great physical shape, the remaining two hostages kept by the extremist Abu Sayyaf are still alive, Malacañang announced Tuesday.
Press Secretary Ricardo Puno Jr. said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported sighting American Jeffrey Schilling and Filipino Rolando Ullah. He did not however elaborate on the details.
"Their condition is not that great, but they cling to life," Puno said in his daily briefing, adding that the AFP is "pretty optimistic" that it can rescue them soon.
In an interview last week, Schilling, a Muslim convert from Oakland, California, said he is being kept in chains and is losing hope he would be released.
Puno also said the Abu Sayyaf has made "overtures" to go back to the negotiating table, but the military told them that the time for that is over.
"The military is not entertaining any negotiation or ransom. The only option (for the Abu Sayyaf) is to surrender," he said.
Ullah and Schilling are the only remaining hostages in the Abu Sayyaf's hands since President Estrada ordered a military offensive against the group last Sept. 16.
While Ullah was among the 21 persons snatched from the Sipadan island resort last April, Schilling was taken last Aug. 28 and is believed to be a "walk-in" hostage.
The other Sipadan hostages were released in separate groups in exchange for more than $15 million in ransom, hostage negotiators said.
The Abu Sayyaf is the smaller but more radical of two Muslim rebel groups fighting for an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines.
The military, however, considers it a bandit group engaged in ransom kidnappings and attacks against Christians.
The military said at least 183 Abu Sayyaf members have been killed and more than 210 others have surrendered since it launched the rescue operation.
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600
November 29, 2000, ABS-CBN, Basilan residents confirm military torture of Midjal,
ZAMBOANGA (ABS-CBN) - Basilan residents have refuted military claims renegade Abu Sayyaf leader Abdul Midjal died in a clash in Basilan, saying the former bandit leader died Saturday afternoon after being tortured by government soldiers.
A source who refused to be identified, disclosed witnesses from Sumisip revealed elements of the Philippine Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion accidentally found Midjal in Sitio Da-ingan, Barangay Ticus.
Witnesses further narrated the military demanded to see Midjal's firearm to which the former bandit-leader-turned-vigilante-leader willingly agreed.
They said the soldiers then stripped Midjal of his jacket, shoes and P7,000 in cash then later cut-off his ears before he was killed.
The same source said residents of the village retaliated upon seeing the brutal killing of Midjal, who was once a civilian volunteer in the area.
Local residents reportedly cited the government troops for the brutal slaying saying civilian harassments in their area are being perpetrated by the military.
Reports from the province state sporadic firefights between the military and civilians continue resulting to the wounding of an undetermined number of civilians.
The military confirmed Monday, Midjal was killed by patrolling military men in Sumisip town, Basilan province, on Sunday.
The military confirmed a clash between the bandit group ensued which resulted to the killing of Midjal, but refused to release details of the clash.
Early this year, Midjal's group seized Abu Sayyaf leader Khadafy Janjalani's mother, his pregnant wife, their one-year-old child, and eight other clan members in an attempt to force the Abu Sayyaf to free hostages, including two of Midjal's daughters.
Midjal threatened to kill Janjalani's relatives if the rebels harmed any of their captives. The rebels beheaded two male teachers, but Midjal did not carry out his threat.
Authorities later persuaded Midjal to free his captives in exchange for the release of some of the hostages.
Midjal broke away from the Abu Sayyaf and formed a vigilante group to fight his former comrades after disagreeing with their activities, including kidnappings and attacks on Christian communities.
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601
December 1, 2000, AP, Philippine Muslim Rebels Claim Spokesman Is Dead,
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AP)--Muslim rebels holding an American and a Filipino hostage in the southern Philippines claimed Friday their spokesman had apparently been killed in a boat accident.
But police and military officials said they doubted the claim and said it might be an attempt by the Abu Sayyaf rebels to reduce the pressure of a government military offensive.
A rebel official, Abu Cantada, said a boat carrying a group of guerrillas capsized Thursday night off southern Jolo island after battling huge waves caused by a tropical storm.
Rebel spokesman Abu Sabaya, who heads the guerrilla faction that has been holding American hostage Jeffrey Schilling, wasn't found after the accident, Cantada said.
"We were on our way to Tawi-Tawi province ... when we encountered huge waves and strong winds. The boat capsized and everybody was accounted for except Abu Sabaya," Cantada said in a telephone interview with the Radio Mindanao Network.
Cantada said Schilling wasn't with them and that he is now in the custody of rebel chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani in an undisclosed hide-out.
Provincial police chief Candido Casimiro said police were still checking the report.
"So far, we don't have any confirmation of this, but we are checking all reports. Meanwhile, government operations against the Abu Sayyaf are still going on," he said.
The military's Southern Command said it also was checking the report.
"We have intensified the offensive operation against the rebels, and the government rescue efforts to get Schilling are also ongoing," Southern Command spokesman Army Col. Hilario Atendido said.
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602
December 3, 2000, Bernama, "Pasir Sandera" sends strong message to would-be raiders, by Mohd Haikal Isa,
PULAU DANAWAN (SEMPORNA), Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The kidnappings committed by gunmen in two islands off the Sabah east coast this year have shown that small foreign groups with criminal intent can also pose a threat to national security.
The abductions in Pulau Sipadan on April 23 and Pulau Pandanan on Sept 10 proved that small groups armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades could well breach the national security net in their small but powerful boats.
Following the incidents, the armed forces has been criticised by various quarters and its subsequent move to tighten security in the Sabah waters has been closely watched.
In line with efforts to beef up security, the armed forces recently held two drills on islands near southern Philippines based on a scenario resembling the Sipadan and Pandanan kidnappings.
Codenamed "Pasir Sandera Exercise I and II", the drills were carried out in Pulau Pandanan and Pulau Danawan with the participation of mostly special forces units of the military.
The exercises were conducted openly in the presence of the media, something rarely allowed by the armed forces for activities involving special forces.
This "openness" of the armed forces not only gave the people a chance to learn about the actions taken following the kidnappings but also served to send a strong message to any potential troublemakers.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, before leaving to visit operational areas of the first exercise in October, said: "The exercise is meant to be a show of force by the armed forces."
And following that, on Nov 30, the armed forces held the "Pasir Sandera Exercise II" on Pulau Danawan involving its special elements like the 10 Para Brigade of the Rapid Deployment Force (PAC) and 21 Special Forces Group (GGK).
These special forces units are almost certain to be deployed by the military in quick response to any recurrence of the Sipadan and Pandanan incidents.
The special forces personnel were flown in from bases in peninsular Malaysia as well as existing locations in Sabah.
The one-day exercise centred on a raid by 10 members of the International Terrorist Group (KPA) from a neighbouring country. The intruders, armed with M16 rifles and led by "Commander Jais", kidnapped seven local people.
Commander Jais and his gang members were fleeing a military assault back home and chose to seek refuge in Sabah as it was nearest to home.
As the KPA members took their hostages to Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Danawan, the armed forces swung into action to cordon off the island.
Troops were also mobilised to provide security cover for the estimated 500 residents of Pulau Danawan who are mostly fishermen.
At the same time, two unarmed military officers and the village head of Pulau Danawan were despatched to begin negotiations with the terrorists to coax them to surrender.
The gunmen refused to give up and instead demanded from the government US$1 million, a security guarantee and a helicopter. They gave the authorities three hours to fulfil their requests or they would begin to kill their captives.
"We will slaughter the hostages one by one," Commander Jais told the group of negotiators in the Bajau dialect as one of the captives acted as an interpreter.
Just as Commander Jais retreated into the school, a Nuri helicopter dropped the PAC on Pulau Danawan while commandos of the 21 GGK slipped into the island on rubber dinghies.
The commando squad immediately took up positions around the KPA's hideout.
Sensing something amiss, two terrorists tried to sneak out to assess the situation but were gunned down by snipers hiding behind coconut trees surrounding their hideout.
At this juncture, the well-armed commandos stormed the hideout in a lightning raid.
The one-minute dawn raid resulted in the killing of all the terrorists, including Commander Jais, and the freeing of the seven hostages.
The background to the Pasir Sandera exercise had some resemblance to the Philippine military's major offensive against the Abu Sayyaf group in Jolo island recently.
The Abu Sayyaf group led by Commander Robot and Mujib Susukan was responsible for the abduction of foreign tourists and resort workers in Sipadan.
Members of the group are also believed responsible for the Pandanan kidnapping, and in both cases the hostages were taken by boat to Jolo in southern Philippines.
Armed forces field commander Lt Gen Datuk Seri Zaini Mohd Said dismissed any suggestion that the scenario for the exercise meant that the military was preparing for a possible repeat of the Abu Sayyaf strike.
"We had conducted similar exercises before but in peninsular Malaysia. Following the kidnappings, we decided to hold it here to expose soldiers to the local environment," he said.
Zaini said the armed forces had achieved 90 percent of the required capability since the government intensified security in the Sabah east coast waters.
"We are prepared for any eventuality, he said.
These words of Zaini amount to a clear message to criminal groups operating by sea, and hopefully would deter them from trying to launch another raid in Sabah waters.
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603
December 4, 2000, ABS-CBN, Schilling roaming in Jolo?,
SULU, (ABS-CBN) -- The military is closely investigating intelligence reports that supposed Abu Sayyaf captive American Jeffrey Schilling has been recently spotted roaming around in Jolo, Sulu.
Intelligence reports in Camp Aguinaldo said Schilling was seen in Jolo last Tuesday without any armed escort, bolstering earlier suspicions that the Afro-American national may indeed be a willing victim of the terrorist group.
The report, however, failed to indicate what Schilling was doing in the Sulu capital.
"We have no verified information on his (Schilling's) supposed sighting but our agents are still on it," said a military intelligence official.
One of two remaining captives Schilling is believed to be under the Abu Sayyaf faction of Khadaffy Janjalani and Abu Sabaya, the outspoken spokesperson of the terrorist group.
The other captive is Filipino Rolando Ullah, the remnant of the 21 mostly foreign hostages taken from Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia last April 23.
Schilling's abduction in late August was widely perceived as a gimmick of the bandit group following reports that prior to the "kidnapping," the burly American was reportedly negotiating the sale of sophisticated weapons to the Abu Sayyaf.
The suspicion further heightened after it was learned that Schilling's girlfriend is a cousin of Sabaya, whose group was behind the abduction of 31 schoolchildren, teachers and a Roman Catholic priest in Basilan last March 20.
Sabaya's group later fled to Jolo when the military launched its rescue operations on September 16. A total of 203 rebels have been killed, 173 captured and 260 surrendered since the start of military operations last September.
On the other hand, 12 soldiers and civilian volunteers have died with 53 others wounded amid various encounters with the rebel group.
A total of 719 rebel firearms have either been recovered or destroyed by pursuing government forces.
The extremist Abu Sayyaf group will not be covered by the military's suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) that will start on December 1 in Mindanao, Malacañang stressed Friday.
Abu Sayyaf not covered by ceasefire
Earlier, Secretary Orlando Mercado of the Department of National Defense (DND) said the military's suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) against Mindanao rebel groups does not cover the extremist Abu Sayyaf group.
Mercado said the SOMO only covers the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
"Ang Abu Sayyaf di kasama sa SOMO, MILF lang. Tuloy ang operations laban sa Abu Sayyaf (Only the MILF, and not the Abu Sayyaf, will be covered by the SOMO. Our operations against the Abu Sayyaf will continue)," Mercado said in a radio interview.
He said pursuit operations are continuing against Abu Sayyaf extremists still holding American national Jeffrey Schilling and Filipino Roland Ullah.
"Siguro hopefully before the end of the year matatapos na ito (Hopefully, we can finally close this chapter on the hostage incident before the year ends)," Mercado said.
In the meantime, Mercado said the government continues to conduct back-channel talks with the MILF to woo it back to the negotiating table.
He said the government panel headed by Ret. Gen. Edgardo Batenga has reported "encouraging" signs about the chances of the MILF resuming the stalled peace talks.
"Mukhang maganda-ganda bagama't mahirap pa. Meron tayong cessation of offensive military operations starting Dec. 1 hanggang pagkatapos ng Bagong Taon (The efforts seem encouraging though it will not be easy. But we have a SOMO starting Dec. 1 until after New Year)," he said.
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December 5, 2000, ABS-CBN, Four killed, 24 hurt in Abu Sayyaf clashes in Sulu,
ZAMBOANGA CITY, (ABS-CBN) - Two soldiers and two bandits were killed while 24 others were wounded in a series of clashes between government troops and extremist Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul town, Sulu over the weekend.
Reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said the encounter between elements of the 7th Infantry Battalion and 40 armed men took place in Barangay Darayan around 8:40 a.m. Sunday.
The firefight lasted for six hours after which the rebels fled in different directions.
In the initial volley of fire, two soldiers and two rebels were killed. An additional 24 soldiers, including an unidentified officer, were wounded.
Two hours later, an Army platoon led by Lt. Tirado encountered 10 fleeing Abu Sayyaf bandits and engaged the enemy in an hour-long exchange of gunfire.
Around 3:16 p.m. that same day, another platoon chanced upon 30 bandits in Danag, Patikul and engaged the guerillas for an hour.
The series of encounters came in a bid to rescue American hostage Jeffrey Schilling and the lone remnant of the Sipadan hostages, Filipino Rolando Ullah who are reportedly being held by the group of Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot.
Since operations were launched last September 16, a total of 150 encounters have taken place which resulted to the killing of a total of 205 Abu Sayyaf bandits, the capture of 174 and the surrender of 261 others.
In contrast, 14 soldiers and civilian volunteers have died while an additional 77 others have been wounded since the start of military offensives against the extremist group.
Only last week, intelligence reports said, Schilling was spotted roaming in Jolo town with no armed escorts, further fanning speculations the American may not be a kidnap victim after all.
Reports were rife that Schilling was not kidnapped by the group but is in fact one of their arms supplier.
ASG mass graves
Meanwhile, members of the joint Task Force Trident stumbled upon a mass grave in Patikul where at least 15 suspected Abu Sayyaf members were buried.
Elements of the Bravo company of the 77th Infantry Battalion were conducting reconnaissance and combat patrol operations at the vicinity of Mount Bagsak in Patikul when they discovered the bodies buried on shallow graves Friday morning.
The military believes the bodies are casualties of encounters with government troops about three to four weeks ago.
This led the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern command to believe that more bodies are buried in other parts of Patikul as the Abu Sayyaf has suffered much casualties since the start of the military assault.
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605
December 9, 2000, ABS-CBN, FLASH REPORT: Robot injured in gun battle,
JOLO, SULU, (ABS-CBN) -- Reports reaching authorities said Ghalib Andang alias Kumander Robot of the Abu Sayyaf is in a critical condition for a week now after a gun battle with the military in Talipao, Sulu.
Andang was sighted on December 2 being aided by four armed men going to an undisclosed place in Jolo to be treated of his injuries.
The military in Sulu has dispatched its intelligence unit to pursue the whereabouts of the rebel leader.
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606
December 10, 2000, ABS-CBN, "Injured" Kumander Robot spotted in Jolo,
JOLO, (ABS-CBN) - Abu Sayyaf leader Ghalib Andang, alias Kumander Robot, has been spotted in this town, in critical condition after a gun battle a week ago, intelligence reports said.
Robot has reportedly sustained serious injuries during a skirmish with government troops in Talipao town a few days ago.
The Abu Sayyaf leader is said to be the head of the bandit group holding Filipino, Roland Ullah, and possibly American Jeffrey Schilling, both reported to have been kidnapped separately.
Based on the report, Robot was seen on December 2 in the company of four armed men in the vicinity of Jolo, where he allegedly sought treatment.
As this developed, the military has intensified its operations and intelligence gathering to determine the whereabouts of the Moro rebel leader.
Abu Sayyaf guerillas have been on the run since the military crushed its strongholds in Basilan and Sulu provinces last September.
Robot's group is responsible for seizing, 21, mostly foreign nationals from a Malaysian dive resort last April.
Since then, hostages were released in batches over a four-month period, after receiving millions in dollars in ransom payments from various negotiators.
So far, military authorities have tagged both Schilling and Ullah as collaborators of the Abu Sayyaf after receiving reports from residents in Jolo.
Schilling's abduction in late August was widely perceived as a gimmick of the bandit group following reports that prior to the "kidnapping," the burly American was reportedly negotiating the sale of sophisticated weapons to the Abu Sayyaf.
Ullah on the other hand, was similarly seen in Jolo, brandishing a firearm while walking without any escorts.
Since the military launched operations on September 16, a total of 203 rebels have been killed, 173 captured and 260 surrendered.
On the other hand, 12 soldiers and civilian volunteers have died with 53 others wounded amid various encounters with the rebel group.
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December 12, 2000, AFP, Estrada to file lawsuit against German magazine,
MANILA, Dec 12 (AFP) - Philippine President Joseph Estrada has ordered his lawyers to file a lawsuit against a German magazine which reported he pocketed millions of dollars in ransom to secure westerners abducted by Muslim extremists, the presidential palace said Monday.
The German magazine Der Spiegel reported that German secret police had tapped mobile phone conversations via satellite between top Philippine negotiator Roberto Aventajado and the Abu Sayyaf Muslim extremist group.
Der Spiegel quoted police as saying that Estrada and Aventajado took 40 percent and 10 percent respectively from a 20 million dollar ransom payment for the freedom of unnamed hostages seized by the rebels earlier this year.
The president has "ordered his laywers to file a lawsuit" for libel against Der Speigel, the statement said, although it did not say when it would be formalized.
"He feels that this is a false report given publicity unduly in Germany using German Secret Service sources," the statement quoted Press Secretary Ronaldo Puno as saying.
Puno said Estrada was "really upset by this report" which also came amid his corruption trial at the Senate which could lead to his removal from office.
Estrada has also asked Philippine ambassador to Germany Jose Zaide to look into the report, but he does not intend to make a diplomatic row on the issue, Puno said.
"The German government can confirm or deny it, but only to that extent. There is no intention to make it a diplomatic incident," Puno said.
Puno said "there is no truth to these such tapes. If that tape exists, Der Spiegel should produce that."
Aventajado also rejected allegations and threatened to sue the publication for libel.
Estrada's chief of staff, Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora, said Monday the Philippine government had sent two police officers to Europe to help German intelligence translate the transcribed exchange.
"They brought back the transcripts and nowhere in these transcripts did these allegations come up," Zamora said in an interview with radio station DZMM.
The Abu Sayyaf abducted 21 Asian and European hostages in April from the Malaysian resort island of Sipadan. The rebels were reported to have received huge ransom payments for the release of some of the group.
More hostages were abducted later and the military launched a rescue operation in September. Seventeen other hostages including two Frenchmen and three Malaysians were rescued but the rebels still hold an American and a Filipino hostage.
National police chief Panfilo Lacson said they had received copies of the supposed transcripts between Aventajado and Abu Sayyaf leader Galib Andang cited by the German weekly.
He said the document, which is in the custody of police intelligence, did not mention anything about commissions.
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December 13, 2000, ABS-CBN, German cops disprove Abu ransom kickback story,
MANILA (ABS-CBN) -- German police reportedly discredited the Abu Sayyaf ransom kickback story published in a German magazine after transcripts of conversations between government negotiators and bandit leader Commander Robot turned out to be inconclusive.
The taped recorded conversations, captured on a satellite phone, did not mention anything about a supposed share of President Joseph Estrada and flagship projects chief Robert Aventajado in ransom payments, National Police chief Panfilo Lacson said this Tuesday.
In an interview, Lacson said he asked German police to verify contents of the transcript translated in German, following news the magazine Der Spiegel published a story stating Estrada and Aventajado received cuts from ransoms during the Sulu hostage crisis.
Earlier, Der Spiegel based its claim on a supposed taped conversation over a satellite phone between Aventajado and Robot a.k.a. Ghalib Andang.
It alleged the President through the intercession of Aventajado, pocketed a total of $8 million in commissions from ransom payments for Sulu hostages.
"Na-confirm nila, kasi baka may defect ang nakuha namin. They confirmed na wala talaga. Even at their end ay wala talagang ganoong usapan tungkol sa suggestion about a commission involving Secretary Aventajado and the President," Lacson said.
(The German police was able to confirm it. We asked them for a confirmation because the transcript we received may have been defective. But they confirmed there is really nothing in the transcript suggesting a commission involving Aventajado and the President)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier sent a superintendent and a Tausug-speaking policeman to help German police in translating the taped conversations.
Lacson said the conversations also included other government negotiators, such as former Libyan envoy Rajab Azzarouq.
With most of the conversations conducted in Tausug, a native dialect in Mindanao, Lacson said he is ready to present copies of the official transcript before an investigative body.
Earlier, Aventajado said it is likely that a libel suit from him and the President would be filed in Germany against Der Spiegel. "Our lawyers are studying where to file the case. Looks like we'll have to file it in Germany," he said in a television interview Monday night.
Aventajado also said his lawyers are now translating into English the controversial article, which he said was posted on Der Spiegel's internet site.
Last Monday, Aventajado and the President separately denied the claim of the magazine that they received a cut in ransom money for hostages kept by the Abu Sayyaf.
Press Secretary Ricardo Puno Jr. for his part had said the President wants his lawyers to file the suit against Der Spiegel "as soon as possible."
He said Malacañang expects the magazine to come up with proof backing its allegations, otherwise, an apology from the magazine is in order.
Puno also made it clear while the President is irked over the article, he does not want the incident blown up into a "diplomatic incident."
On his part, Aventajado said: "definitely we'll file a libel suit. My mind is made up, and the President has said he will also file a libel suit. Now our lawyers are looking at whether we can file a joint case."
Black propaganda being traced
The camp of President Estrada is now looking into leads that would directly link the Der Spiegel magazine to an ally of opposition party Lakas-NUCD-UMDP.
The President in chance interview, said part of information gathered by Malacañang involved the participation of the National Union of Christian Democrats (NUCD).
The NUCD, the known social democratic party representing Germany, is one of the known allies of the Lakas party headed by former president Fidel Ramos.
"That's the information I received. The NUCD social democrat has its connection in Germany. I have not gotten the complete report yet, I would let you know by tomorrow. I would know if there is a political color on this," the President said.
Estrada said he has already asked Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon to forward a communique to the Der Spiegel management, protesting the story published by the magazine.
Aside from a letter-to-the-editor, legal advisers of the President are now in the thick of collating evidence that would support a libel case against the magazine.
A ranking official of Malacañang on Tuesday disclosed the President received a letter from the German government on the case.
The official who requested anonymity, said the communication was signed by the German minister.
In the letter, the German Minister reportedly denied that one of their secret service agents was involved in the production of the Der Spiegel story.
The German government in its letter reportedly reiterated its full trust and respect to the Estrada administration, especially when it negotiated for the release of their nationals then hostaged by the Abu Sayyaf group.
The Malacañang official ruled out the filing of a diplomatic protest against the German government.
"Filing a diplomatic protest will only be considered if the German government has committed a grave mistake or offended the Philippine government seriously," the official said.
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December 13, 2000, The Manila Times, 'Robot' to surrender, Sayyaf chieftain expected to clear Estrada in hostage ransom yarn, by Jeannette Andrade and Johnna Villaviray,
ONE of the high profile chieftains of the Abu Sayyaf is giving up before Christmas and is expected to give his side on allegations that President Estrada and a key aide pocketed part of the ransom paid for the release of foreign hostages held by the bandits for months on Jolo island, a lawyer said yesterday.
Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot, has sent surrender feelers and has asked arrangements for his safety, said Oliver Lozano, who months back introduced himself as the lawyer for the bandit.
Lozano said the ASG leader "wants to concede so he can finally live peacefully."
Meantime, the German Embassy said it does not see any problem with the plan of Mr. Estrada and his secretary for flagship projects, Roberto Aventajado, suing the weekly German magazine Der Spiegel for printing false information.
The embassy issued the statement in reaction to the threat of Mr. Estrada and Aventajado to file a libel suit against the German magazine.
The Foreign Affairs department yesterday demanded an apology either from the magazine, or from the Bundesnachrichtendiest (BND) or the German secret service, for running the articles on the ransom kickbacks issue.
DFA Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin also said that Mr. Estrada's lawyers should determine where to file the lawsuit as the magazine may not have a representative here.
The magazine's latest issue carried articles accusing the Chief Executive and Aventajado, who led the government's negotiating team for the release of the foreign hostages, of receiving 40 percent of the $20-million ransom provided for the freedom of the hostages, including several Germans.
The magazine said 10 percent of the money was pocketed by Aventajado and that it based its stories on taped satellite telephone conversations between Aventajado and the bandit.
Ebdalin said the satellite conversations between Aventajado and Andang were taped "with the knowledge and consent of Aventajado, whose office even provided translations of parts of the discussions conducted in Tagalog and Tausug."
"If the purpose of (Aventajado) was to engage in illegal activity, then the talks would not have been revealed to the German officials, much less taped," he said.
Senate probe
Senators Rodolfo Biazon and Raul Roco yesterday filed resolution urging a Senate inquiry into the latest bombshell against the embattled President, now facing an impeachment trial for alleged corruption.
They said the allegations "further darkened the country's image in the international community."
Malacañang, which acknowledged the possible negative impact on the country of the Der Spiegel charges, did not hide its suspicions that the publication of the story on the alleged ransom kickbacks was designed to further embarrass Mr. Estrada.
Press Secretary Ricardo Puno said an international public relations company had hand in the publication in Der Spiegel of the articles and that this was timed with the ongoing trial of the President before the Senate impeachment tribunal.
He said the allegations in the articles of the German magazine were but a rehash of earlier news articles on the same matter carried by local and foreign publications, including Asiaweek.
Lozano denied on nationwide radio that there was a "shoot-to-kill order against his client, Andang," saying that what was issued against the bandit was an arrest warrant.
He said he would invoke this warrant to arrange the surrender of the bandit, who is believed to be still in hiding in the hinterlands of Jolo.
The faction of Andang held the bulk of the 21 mostly foreign hostages the bandits seized in April from a resort island in Malaysia, and got $15 million for the release of the captives.
Lozano said if allowed to surrender, the bandit would be able to clear Mr. Estrada and Aventajado from allegations they received kickbacks from the ransom paid mostly by the Libyan government for the release of the Abu Sayyaf hostages.
Libel suit
German Embassy Press Attache Earnst Schwering said they find it reasonable for Malacañang to push through with plans to sue the German magazine for libel.
"If they believe that they have been wronged, then by all means, sue. There is nothing wrong with that," Schwering said, stressing that "while Berlin is all for press freedom, this freedom is not absolute and should not be abused by parties for their own gains."
He added, "The German government is not in anyway involved in the (publication) of Der Spiegel, it's a private company."
In Senate Resolution No. 904, Biazon and Roco stressed on the need for an inquiry into the Der Spiegel's accusations as this "has further darkened our international image and reputation and that of the leadership even more disastrously in Western Europe and the rest of the world."
Biazon also pressed for an immediate review of government's "no-ransom" policy in dealing with kidnappers and terrorists, and other security-related policies to avert a repetition of a similar "shameful" incident in the future.
The resolution directed the Senate committee on national defense and security to conduct the investigation in aid of legislation.
Aventajado vehemently denied the Der Spiegel articles.
"We must fight this," Aventajado said Monday. "If there was ransom, definitely I had no cut. Now if they have proof, let them bring it out because I am sure they cannot bring out anything because I did not do it."
He added: "What I know is they are damaging my integrity and my reputation. I have to protect them."
Aventajado said the government's policy is not to pay ransom to hostage-takers, but that "some people" had contact with the Abu Sayyaf bandits and may have paid money directly to them.
German intelligence
Der Spiegel said German intelligence agents discovered the alleged ransom skimming by listening in satellite telephone conversations with the hostages.
Puno said Mr. Estrada was "really upset" by the report and asked lawyers to study a possible libel suit against the magazine.
"He feels that if legal action is warranted ... he'll do so," Puno said. "He feels that this is a false report given publicity unduly in Germany quoting some unnamed so-called German secret service sources."
Puno said the timing of the Der Spiegel report indicated its intent was to "further embarrass the President and maybe even somehow influence the impeachment trial" Mr. Estrada is facing on charges of bribery and corruption.
Puno said Mr. Estrada instructed him to issue a vehement denial that the President received some of the ransom money.
The Press Secretary said the magazine should produce the tape recording of the hostage negotiations on which it said its report was based.
"If not, an apology is due from Der Spiegel magazine, which is a confirmed ransom giver in itself since it admitted that it had to pay ransom for the release of its own reporter," he said.
The magazine paid an undisclosed ransom to the Abu Sayyaf for the release of one of its reporters who was held by the rebels.
Mr. Estrada has asked the Philippine Embassy in Germany to obtain information about the German secret service’s tape recording, Puno said.
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