October 1, 2003, The Philipppine Star, Military tightens security to deter Abu Sayyaf, by Jaime Laude,

 October 1, 2003, The Philipppine Star, Military tightens security to deter Abu Sayyaf, by Jaime Laude,

Troops have tightened security on foreigners, especially Americans in Mindanao, following intelligence reports that the Abu Sayyaf is planning to snatch them ahead of the eight-hour visit of US President George W. Bush on Oct. 18,

"The (general headquarters) has already sent a directive to all its subordinate units to verify this report that the ASG (Abu Sayyaf group) is planning to abduct an American consultant on the ongoing road-widening project along Curuan and Vitali district both in Zamboanga City," said Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero, Armed Forces public information chief.

"Elements of the 601st Brigade were able to apprehend two Abu Sayyaf members in Central Mindanao which only shows that the operations of the Abu Sayyaf has shifted to this part of Mindanao," he added.

Lucero said they are still awaiting feedback from intelligence sources as the Armed Forces is not taking the information lightly.

The Abu Sayyaf seems to have shifted operations from Basilan and Sulu to the mainland of Mindanao, he added.

Lucero said military intelligence has already coordinated with the Policarpio Construction Co. to check if they have American consultants, and to warn about the reported Abu Sayyaf plot.

The Armed Forces has no official records on the exact number of Americans and other foreigners in Mindanao, he added.

Lucero said the military hopes more information on the alleged Abu Sayyaf kidnapping plot would filter into its hands.

The Abu Sayyaf is expected to launch another wave of kidnappings in Mindanao to raise funds to support their terrorist activities, he added.

The bandits gained international notoriety in April 2000 when they snatched 21 European, South African, Filipino and Malaysian tourists from the Sipadan resort off Sabah and took them them to their jungle hideout in Sulu.