Abu bandit in Sipadan kidnapping slain in Sulu shootout

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Army troopers shot and killed an alleged Abu Sayyaf bandit – tagged in a kidnapping on Sipadan Island in Malaysia – during an operation in Indanan, Sulu yesterday morning.

The military identified the fatality as a certain Haber, alias Abu Qudama, according to Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu.

Arrojado said the soldiers tracked down Haber during an intelligence operation in Barangay Buanza at around 10:30 a.m.

He said a brief firefight erupted between Haber and the soldiers and resulted in the suspect’s death.

Haber was reportedly a follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Sibih Pisih, whose group is based in Indanan, Parang and Maimbung towns.

Arrojado said the suspect had been wanted for his participation in the Sipadan kidnapping and the foiled kidnapping at Pearl Farm, Samal Island in Davao del Norte in May 2001.