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KOTA KINABALU: Abu Sayyaf Deputy Commander Apo Mike was reportedly killed in the southern Philippines.
He is believed to be responsible for a series of kidnappings in Sabah waters in recent years.
Apo MikeApo Mike, whose real name is Majan Sahidjuan, was killed by Philippine security forces on Barangay Kalupag Island in Languyan in Tawi-Tawi, near Sabah, on Saturday night (March 20).
His death comes two days after the remaining victims of Sabah’s kidnapping, three Indonesian fishermen, were rescued by Philippine security forces on March 18.
Philippine media said that before his death, Apo Mike was with his comrades and three Indonesian hostages who were seized from Sabah in January last year when they got into trouble due to defective boats.
It was learned that Apo Mike was left stranded on the island after his boat capsized, while two of his companions fled with the hostages on another ship that had also leaked.
One of the escaping Abu Sayyaf Group members, Suhud Salasim @ Ben Wagas, believed to be an Apo Mike infantryman, was arrested while rescuing his hostages.
It was also reported that troops from the Marine Infantry Battalion Landing Team-6 commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Venjie Pendon responded to a distress call due to the presence of suspected gunmen on the island of Barangay Kalupag.
Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the men opened fire on security forces as they approached the island.
He said there was a shooting that resulted in the death of Apo Mike.
Vinluan Jr said that security forces would remain on high alert for the remaining Abu Sayyaf members and intensify operations to capture them.
Related stories:
Three Abu Sayyaf Hostages Rescued by Philippine Police
Abu Sayyaf abductee killed in shooting
Five Indonesian fishermen kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf off the waters of Lahad Datu
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