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Sayyaf beheads farmer hostage in Basilan - cops


(Updated 9:30 a.m.) MANILA, Philippines - Abu Sayyaf bandits have beheaded a 61-year-old farmer who they abducted in Zamboanga last April, the police chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said Monday. Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani said authorities recovered the head of farmer Doroteo Gonzales in Mangalut village in Akbar town in Basilan province. “Yan ang report sa aming field commander doon, pero di masyado malinaw, wala pang progress report. Yan ang natanggap ko sa text message kagabi sa field commander ko sa Basilan [That is what our field commanders reported via text message. There are few details, but I am waiting for a progress report]," Jabarani said in an interview on dzXL radio. Gonzales' head was brought to Buenavista village in Zamboanga following his abduction. "We have not found his body. Police in Akbar town are still searching for the body," said Chief Inspector Rolando Democrito, adding that the Abu Sayyaf was behind the killing. The Basilan provincial government had offered a P500,000 reward for information leading to the release of the hostages now held by the bandits. Among the hostages of the Abu Sayyaf are three teachers abducted in Zamboanga City; Sri Lankan Omar Jalil; lending worker Lea Patriz; and Gonzales. Jabarani said they continue to go after Abu Sayyaf sub-commanders Puruji Indama and Nur Hassan Jamiri, who he linked to the abduction and killing of Gonzales. He said he has ordered ARMM police units to coordinate with local governments and with the local communities, and get information on the Abu Sayyaf bandits’ whereabouts. “Siyempre itong Abu Sayyaf violent, talaga pinaka-violent sa mga armed group. Alam mo sila ito pag ganyan lalo na kung matagalan na [The Abu Sayyaf has been by far the most violent armed group. They resort to killing their hostages if the situation starts to drag]," he said. - with Al Jacinto, GMANews.TV
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