June 20, 2001, The Philippine Star, All Quiet in Basilan Today - Adan,

June 20, 2001, The Philippine Star, All Quiet in Basilan Today - Adan,

Manila, June 20, 2001 (STAR) In a press conference today, Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan, military spokesman said that there has been no military contact in almost 24 hours with the Abu Sayyaf.

Adan said that even with though Basilan remains quiet, military operations in the Mindanao province still continues as the hunt for the bandit group and their hostages goes on.

Adan also denied reports that the bandit group has escaped Basilan with their hostages to nearby Jolo even with the ongoing military operations in that island.

“We have not received any report that they are now in Jolo. We believe that they are still in Basilan and the main operation is still in Basilan. Our operations in Jolo continue because we believe that there are Abu Sayyaf fighters there in Jolo which could reinforce Basilan if they are not operated on,” Adan said.