Misaya death to reduce ASG capability to conduct terrorism, kidnapping –AFP chief

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said the death of bandit sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya last April 28 will greatly reduce the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)’s capability to conduct acts of terror and kidnapping in Sulu and other parts of Mindanao. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA–Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said the death of bandit sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya last April 28 will greatly reduce the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)’s capability to conduct acts of terror and kidnapping in Sulu and other parts of Mindanao.

“It’s a devastating blow to the ASG. Misaya is also like” Abu Rami” (Muamar Askali killed in Inabanga, Bohol last April 11) considered as a young bold and ruthless ASG leaders in charge of kidnapping foreigners and known to be daring ASG terrorist fighter,” he added.

Año said Misaya’s recruitment ability also contributed in radicalizing young Tausugs.

“His death will surely diminished (the) ASG’s capability to conduct terrorism particularly kidnapping, stop the recruitment and would lead to the eventual defeat of the whole ASG organization. We have received many surrender feelers from remaining ASG members. And we shall continue our relentless efforts until we neurtalize the last asg terrorist,” he added.

The operation which neutralized Misaya took place around 9:35 p.m. Friday at Barangay Silangkan, Indanan town, Sulu

No other details could be provided as follow-up operations are still ongoing.

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

He has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom penalized (CC nos: 06-10; 1720-3 and 06-10; 1719-3) under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.

A bomb expert, Misaya was involved in many ASG bombing attacks such as 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 March 2011 bombing of Dennis Coffee Shop at Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu which killed four civilians and wounded 11 others to name a few.