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FBI asks Philippines to Hand Over Abu Sayyaf
MANILA, Sept 23 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has asked the Philippines and eight Arab and Islamic nations to hand over hundreds of suspected "terrorists," a pro-Syrian Arabic paper reported Saturday.
The weekly Al-Moharrer said the FBI has asked the Philippines to hand over Abu Sayyaf members, as well as three Omani nationals arrested while they were taking pictures of the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
The FBI reportedly told the respective nations, including Malaysia and ASEAN (Association for Southeast Asian Nations) member states, to hand over suspects or "face the consequences".
In return for their cooperation, the Philippines expects some compensation for handing over the Abu's (as they are known in the Philippines).
The Abu Sayyaf is said to have links to Osama Bin Laden network, and would fall into the category of terror groups targeting American and Western interests.
Sources in Manila say bin Laden's network once financed the Abu Sayyaf and that they were trained in Afghanistan by the U.S. to fight the Soviet invasion of Kabul.
In Malaysia, authorities of unaware of any groups or individuals who could be allied with bin Laden, the Saudi millionaire residing in Afghanistan and accused of several terrorist attacks against U.S targets.
Police in the country arrested several opposition members for allegedly belonging to a shadowy Muslim Mujahidin group. However, there is no evidence presently that they may be linked to bin Laden's network, though some might have been trained in Afghanistan.
The Philippines said it suspects 10 Moro youth to have been trained in Afghanistan, adding that they could be linked to bin Laden. They were spotted in Mindanao last month, sources said.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said the U.S. should help the Philippines crush the Abu's in exchange for the country's support in the international war on terrorism.
"America should help us deal with our own terrorists. They can do this by helping us upgrade our armed forces," Pimentel told reporters.
National Security Adviser Roilo Golez confirmed Friday the Philippines is seeking U.S. assistance to crush the Abu Sayyaf.
Golez said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would issue a new statement on the country's role in the international fight against terrorism, her national security adviser said Saturday.
"She is preparing a new policy statement on terrorism. One key input would be the direction the United States would take" in the international war on terrorism it is leading following the attacks on New York and Washington, Golez said.
The President on Friday said she would push for the creation of a regional anti-terrorist front at the annual meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in November.
ASEAN leaders will meet in Brunei on November 5th and 6th. The grouping includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
With additional reporting by Kazi Mahmood
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