AFP temporarily halts offensive vs Janjalani

The military has temporarily stopped its offensive against Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani and his followers in the Butilen marsh in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Efren Abu said air and ground assaults since last week have failed to neutralize Janjalani’s group which, together with suspected foreign terrorists, has reportedly been hiding in the marsh.

"Hindi naman tayo puwedeng magtagal doon sa area (We cannot afford to stay long in the area)," he said.

Abu dismissed reports that the military failed to bag Janjalani because the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been coddling the Abu Sayyaf leader.

Meanwhile, the Abu Sayyaf has demanded a P5-million ransom for the restaurant owner it seized in Jolo, Sulu 10 days ago, reports said.

Director Vidal Querol, chief of the Western Area Police Command, however, said they have yet to confirm the ransom demand, stressing though the government’s no-ransom policy.

The victim, Renato Yanga, 44, owner of Top Spot restaurant, is reportedly being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group headed by Isah Ibri in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu.

Querol gave assurances that policemen, along with government troops, are tracking down Yanga’s kidnappers. — Jaime Laude, Roel Pareño