June 17, 2001, The Philippine Star, Questions Linger on Abu Sayyaf Leader Janjalani's Alleged Death,

June 17, 2001, The Philippine Star, Questions Linger on Abu Sayyaf Leader Janjalani's Alleged Death,

Manila, - (STAR) Gov. Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said he is confident he can convince Abu Sayyaf Group commanders Mujib Susukan and Radulan Sahiron to surrender to the government, saying the two have the brains and also came from good families.

Misuari, however, excluded Abu Sayyaf mouthpiece Abu Sabaya from his list, saying the latter has apparently stopped listening to reason.

June 17, 2001, The Philippine Star, Questions Linger on Abu Sayyaf Leader Janjalani's Alleged Death,

Manila, June 17, 2001 - (STAR) Sources from the Philippine National Police today said they doubt the confirmation made on Saturday by Basilan Gov. Wahab Akbar of earlier reports that Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf lead criminal Khadaffi Janjalani was wounded and subsequently died after a clash with military forces in Lamitan town last month.

The same sources said the PNP and the Armed Forces Joint Crisis Committee in Zamboanga City is reviewing the statements of freed hostages Francis Ganzon that he saw Janjalani two days before he was released.

"There is a big possibility that Janjalani is still alive. We cannot officially say he is dead until we have concrete evidence," a high ranking official said.

Akbar, on the other hand, stood by his claim that Janjalani is dead and has sent his men to look for the remains of the bandit. He said Janjalani was buried four days ago in Tuburan.

Ganzon, who was released Saturday with Kimberly Jao, also claimed that if the government had given in to Abu Sayyaf mouthpiece Abu Sabaya's demand that he be given two Malaysians to negotiate for several hostages, none of whom were Malaysians, the remaining kidnap victims could have been freed by now by the Abu Sayyaf. Ganzon based his claim on Sabaya's statement that he would release the hostages if the Malaysians are allowed in.

Ganzon also said he and Jao were released not because ransom money was paid but because of Sabaya's goodwill.