December 22, 1998, PHNO, Abu Sayyaf Threat Greatly Reduced,

December 22, 1998, PHNO, Abu Sayyaf Threat Greatly Reduced,

Manila, Dec. 22, 1998 - The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are ready against possible retaliatory attacks by the Mindanao-based extremist rebel group Abu Sayyaf to avenge the death of its leader, Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, who was killed last week in an encounter with government troops.

PNP chief Director General Roberto Lastimoso and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Joselin Nazareno said the group is not capable of actually disrupting peace and order in Mindanao, noting that the Abu Sayyaf lost its top two leaders in the last two weeks.

"There is the possibility that the remnants, sympathizers or even friends of the Abu Sayyaf will try to get even by conducting some terroristic act to embarrass the government. But this is a remote possibility, considering that, number one, the leadership of the Abu Sayyaf is gone, totally gone. There is nobody who can fill in the shoes of Janjalani right now," Lastimoso said. "His followers have fled to their home province of Jolo."

He also noted that Ustadz Ibrahim, the group's second-in-command, was captured two weeks ago, while government troops have seized "a sizable portion" of the rebel group's explosives, thus greatly reducing the rebels' capability to sow terror.

"So I don't think any more threat from this group is possible, although we're not taking it lightly," he said, adding he has ordered PNP troops in Mindanao to prepare for isolated attacks by the Abu Sayyaf.

Nazareno said the military is keeping track of forces that intend to conduct terrorist activities, particularly on embassies. His office has so far not received any report of international terrorists entering the country at this time.