A SUB-LEADER of the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) was killed in a gun battle at sea in the province of Sulu, the military said Sunday, August 13.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejena, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said the slain ASG sub-leader was identified as Salvador Muktadil alias Badong.
Muktadil was killed in a heavy gunfight around 1:10 dawn this Sunday, in Silangkan, Parang, Sulu.
The ASG leader had an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and nine-counts of murder.
Sobejana said Muktadil belongs to the group of Muktadil brothers, whose group the ASG usually tapped in the execution of high profile and cross-border kidnappings.
Sobejana said Muktadil was allegedly involved in the abductions of Yahong Lim in Sempornah, Sabah; Evelyn Chang of Tawan, Sabah; and, Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. (SunStar Philippines)