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The Abu Sayyaf, Drugs, Weapons And Training In Afghanistan
JAKARTA, July 6 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - A string of arrests on Thursday in the Philippines capital of Manila opened further volleys of criticism against the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), while offering a new outlook into the functioning of the bandit organization, sources said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced the arrest of three alleged "officers" of the Abu Sayyaf based in Manila, saying they were involved in gunrunning and drug trafficking in the capital region.
In December 2000, the authorities arrested a number of Muslims living in slum cities bordering Manila on the assumption that they participated in bombings that occurred in the capital.
The Abu Sayyaf, authorities say, has since then penetrated these slum cities and engaged the services of Muslims to run "mafia style" gangs, armed with pistols and guns bought with ransom money, and are said to also be selling and distributing drugs in the capital.
In addition, the group's activities in Manila include negotiating with the "main" Abu Sayyaf group at each kidnapping instance.
Authorities say this information establishes the breadth of the Abu Sayyaf problem in the Philippines, making it an organized arms and drugs smuggling channel.
Director General Leandro Mendoza, PNP chief, said ASG officers were part of an "intricate pipeline used by the ASG in the procurement of firearms" through drug deals.
However, the opposition in Manila sees the allegation as a "coup" by the ruling People Power Coalition (PPC) to gain popularity.
In effect, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's popularity surged this week to an incredible 57% approval rating, according to a private polling organization.
According to the PNP, three ASG members were nabbed by joint elements of the PNP Intelligence Group, PNP Special Action Force and the Philippine Army at Pasay City. Among those arrested is a couple said to be leaders of the "cell group".
The group was also involved in procuring travel documents for Abu Sayyaf members, and the murder and kidnapping of Christian residents in Basilan.
The leader of the group, Mumar Lueza Asanin, identified himself as a lawyer and general manager of Husmida Travel and Transport Corp.
On Tuesday, the army revealed that Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Sabaya has been trying to obtain passports for members of his family in an attempt "to put them to safety".
The move was apparently carried out by Sabaya to protect his family from possible reprisals. Sabaya is also reported to be acquiring more weapons for his group.
The PNP claimed the arrest of the suspects also uncovered a large drug dealing ring "orchestrated" by a syndicate composed of Abu's (as the Sayyaf group is commonly known) members.
Police intelligence say they have also linked the drug syndicate to a rich Muslim merchant, Salim Idris, who maintains nine houses in Intramuros, Alabang, Pasay, Quezon City and other unidentified places in Manila. They state that Idris is a big time drug lord.
Police also identified a certain Hadji Dong, apparently the operations officer of the syndicate and responsible for the supply and distribution of drugs to Cebu, Zamboanga and Basilan. He is a close aid to Abu Sabaya and Hector Janjalani.
The same group is also responsible in the shipment of high-powered firearms and ammunition used by the ASG in Basilan.
Police intelligence also linked the group and 50 other Abu Sayyaf members to possible training they received in Afghanistan.
In December 2000, the Philippines government linked bombing suspects to Osama bin Laden, the Saudi multimillionaire currently residing in Afghanistan. He is suspected by the U.S. of being behind a series of bombings that targeted U.S. warships, military camps and embassies worldwide.
The Philippines is currently investigating, with the help of the U.S. and the United Nations, alleged training activities in Afghanistan.
additional reporting by Kazi Mahmood
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