ZAMBOANGA CITY – Malaysia is holding 7 Filipinos, six of them members of the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf, in separate anti-terrorism operations in Sabah and Putrajaya, reports said Friday.
It said among those captured were an Abu Sayyaf executioner, who admitted beheading their hostages in southern Philippines; and a sub-commander under militant leader Puruji Indama in Basilan province.
The rest were involved in terrorism in the Philippines and ransom kidnappings in Sabah, according to Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohamad Fuzi bin Harun, the Inspector General of Royal Malaysia Police.
He said the Filipino militants were captured in police operations that on October 30 and until November 12.
“The 35-year-old suspect played the role of recruiting children to join Abu Sayyaf to be used as human shields during fighting with the Philippine military in Basilan. He has also been involved in beheading hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf,” Channel News Asia quoted him as saying.
The militants escaped government offensive in southern Philippines and travelled illegally by boat to nearby Sabah where they assumed false names and managed to find work in construction sites as a cover for their true identity.
It was not immediately known whether the militants were planning an attack or ransom kidnappings in Sabah. (Mindanao Examiner)
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