Abu Sayyaf bandit with links to drug ring slain

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An Abu Sayyaf bandit with links to a drug ring was killed in an alleged shootout with the Army’s Special Forces in Parang, Sulu on Thursday.

Gan Salahudin was with the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Apah Salah, Lt. Col. Benito Ramos Jr., 2nd Special Force Battalion commander, said.

Ramos said an M16A1 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, a bandoleer with magazines loaded with ammunition and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the fatality.

The military said Salahudin lay low with the Abu Sayyaf in 2020 to evade military offensives, but engaged in the illegal drug trade in Parang town.

Ramos said Salahudin was affiliated with the Alganil Dawadil drug ring in Sulu.