Sayyaf in kidnap of Indonesians killed in shootout

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An alleged Abu Sayyaf bandit tagged in the kidnapping of six Indonesian fishermen was killed in a shootout in Zamboanga Sibugay over the weekend.

Salip Adzhar Alijam, alias Aya and Alip Adjal Hamsa Grandad, reportedly opened fire at a team of police officers out to serve a search warrant on the suspect’s residence in Barangay Masao, Tungawan town, according to Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., Zamboanga regional police director.

The warrant was issued for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Alijam was positively identified by Herman Bin Manggak as one of the men who kidnapped him and his fellow fishermen in 2016.

Manggak and his companions were freed separately after weeks of captivity in the jungles of Sulu.

Cambay said the regional police coordinated with the Indonesian consul in Davao City to enable Manggak to personally identify the slain bandit.

Probers recovered from Alijam’s residence a rifle grenade, pistols, a grenade and ammunition.

Alijam was a follower of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsy Misaya, whose group was involved in kidnapping activities and other offenses in Sulu, Cambay said.