August 24, 2002, Philippine Star, Military Yet to Ascertain Abductor's Link to Abu Sayyaf - Defense Sec,

August 24, 2002, Philippine Star, Military Yet to Ascertain Abductor's Link to Abu Sayyaf - Defense Sec,

Zamboanga City, (STAR) Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes today stressed that the military has yet to ascertain the involvement of Muin Sajiron, prime suspect in the recent abduction of six preachers of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sulu, to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Reyes also stressed that there was no direct evidence yet to say that the Abu Sayyaf was responsible for the abductions and reported beheading of two of the hostages.

"We cannot, as of now, categorically ascertain that he (Muin Sajiron) is Abu Sayyaf. The moment that we ascertain that, then we will tell you," he said.

He said Sajiron, leader of the gang that abducted the six preachers in Patikul town, was not Abu Sayyaf but "a loose cannon" who could not be controlled even by his uncle, Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sajiron.

Reyes recalled that it was Muin who led the group that kidnapped broadcast journalist Maan Macapagal, who was on her way home after an interview with the Abu Sayyaf.

Muin defied Abu Sayyaf safety clearances earlier given by the terrorist group to Macapagal.

The defense chief said Muin is a drug-crazed man.

"I was informed by the Mayor (Hasir Hayudini) of Patikul and (Sulu) Governor (Yusop) Jikiri, that in all probability, this guy is heavily into drugs," he said.

Reyes said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) go by the Order of Battle in identifying members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf.

"(Muin) is not in the Order of Battle. He is what we might call a loose cannon. Not even Radulan Sajiron can influence him," he said.

Earlier, AFP spokesman retired Major General Melchor Rosales claimed that Brig. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, commander of the Sulu-based Army’s 10th Infantry Brigade, never stated that the Abu Sayyaf was behind the abduction of the six preachers.

Rosales also clarified that there were several other criminal groups operating in Sulu. These are pirates, lost commands, outlaws, breakaway groups and others.

Meanwhile, Reyes clarified that the military had not reduced forces in Sulu, but had even injected the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion in the province three weeks ago, and the 14th Infantry Battalion two months ago.

"We have increased, as a matter of fact, our Armed Forces elements there because we knew and we know that we have to recover the remaining Indonesian hostages and we have to address the presence of personalities there," he said.

He further refuted the reported sightings of Abu Sabaya, as claimed by witnesses from the camp of Fr. Cirilo Nacorda, the parish priest of Lamitan in Basilan who also was a victim of Abu Sayyaf atrocities.

"He says that he was told, he heard that Abu Sabaya is alive. I don’t think that he saw Abu Sabaya. If Abu Sabaya is alive and somebody had seen him, then please come forward," he said.