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| Southeast Asia |
| Abu Sayyyaf thugs to be tried in Philippines if they catch 'em... |
| 2002-07-24 |
| The five alleged leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group who have been indicted by the United States would be tried in the Philippines if they are arrested in the Southeast Asian nation, a government official said Wednesday. The federal indictments identified the five Abu Sayyaf leaders as Khadafi Abubakar Janjalani, spiritual leader of the group; Isnilon Totoni Hapilon, the second in command; Aldam Tilao, the group's spokesman; Jainal Antel Sali Jr., an intelligence officer; and Hamsiraji Marusi Sali, a group leader. Tilao, also known as Abu Sabaya, was believed killed in a gunbattle at sea last month. His body has not been found. The four others are targets of a U.S.-backed military chase. I'm not saying I doubt he was really, thoroughly bumped off, but... Justice Undersecretary Manuel Teehankee said the men, charged Tuesday in a U.S. federal indictment with the kidnapping and killing of Americans in the Philippines, face similar charges in the Philippines and their trial here "will take precedence" if an ongoing military pursuit finds them. So we can have them after they've served 20 to live in the PI. Guess we'll have to wait... |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |