Abu Sayyaf abducts Indian national in Sulu

An Indian national was abducted Wednesday night by the Abu Sayyaf in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, a stronghold of the loosely organized bandit group, a police official said on Thursday. Biju Kolara Veettil was abducted at 9 p.m. at Sitio Kaban-Kaban in Barangay Tempuk in Patikul town, according to Police Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Western Mindanao Police. Khu said Veettil and his abductors were spotted at the vicinity of Sitio Luluban Manghak in Barangay Tugas, also in the same town. Khu added Veettil was kidnapped by an Abu Sayyaf faction led by sub-leader Jurim Hussin. The other members of the faction were identified as Ninok Sappari, Mamih Samlahun, Almudjir Yadah, and Namil Aharadji. “These [Abu Sayyaf] members were also involved in the kidnapping of Nelson Lim last May 7, 2011," Khu said. [See story here.} Lim is a Filipino-Chinese restaurant owner in Jolo. Law enforcers have yet to rescue him. The Abu Sayyaf, an al Qaeda-linked band of Islamic fundamentalists, has carried out several kidnappings in the past, including of foreign nationals. The group is also responsible for bombing attacks not only in Mindanao but also in Metro Manila. — KBK, GMA News