Wednesday, December 21, 2005 (Philippines)

Badjaos (sea gypsies) dance the "Ongka-Ongka" during the Badjau Festival held recently across the channel in Basilan province. (Contributed photo) ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Security forces have captured three persons with alleged links to the terror group Abu Sayyaf in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines, officials said Tuesday. Officials said one of the men was Pio De Vera, who is wanted by the military and police in connection with the series of Valentine's Day bombings that hit the financial districts of Manila and the cities of Davao and General Santos in the south. [full story]