Palace lauds ‘neutralization’ of notorious ASG leader

MANILA—Malacañang on Saturday lauded the killing of notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya in a military operation Friday even as it called on citizens to fully cooperate with the government in its efforts to finally end the threat of the bandit group.

In a statement, Presidnetial Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the death of the extremist commander dealt “a big blow to the notorious kidnap-for-ransom terrorist group.”

“The military has confirmed the death of Misaya, considered the most notorious kidnapper in the ASG,” he said.

“We call on all citizens to remain vigilant, alert and watchful in cooperating with security forces to end the menace of this bandit group. As government holds them accountable for their brutal and senseless crimes, let us cooperate to have safer and more secure communities. This is our shared responsibility,” Abella said.

Marine units have shot and killed Misaya, one of the most notorious ASG sub-leaders wanted for several counts of kidnapping and bomb attacks, during operations in Indanan town, Sulu province Friday night.

According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, The operation that neutralized Misaya took place at about 9:35 p.m. in Barangay Silangkan.

The AFP official said that no other details could be provided as follow-up operations are ongoing.

Padilla added that focused military operations targeting local terrorist groups in all other areas are continuing as well.

Misaya was a Sulu-based ASG sub-leader and a native of Barangay Bunot, Indanan, Sulu.

He has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.

A bomb expert, Misaya was also tagged in many ASG bombing attacks that included the October 2002 Malagutay bombing that killed US serviceman Sgt. Mark Jackson and the wounding of 23 others, including another US serviceman; the January 2009 bombing of the Salaam Bridge in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu; and the March 2011 bombing of Dennis Coffee Shop at Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu that killed four civilians and injured 11 others.