Abu’s Sub-leader wanted for kidnapping killed in Tawi-Tawi

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 15, 2017) - A notorious sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf and Kidnap for Ransom Group was killed after resisting arrest of the joint elements of the military and police in the nearby province of Tawi-Tawi yesterday, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Buchoy Hassan, a.k.a Black or Bocoi, was neutralized following a successful law enforcement operation launched by the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and the police at his residence in Barangay Panglima Alari, Sitangkai.

Further recovered by troops were one (1) M16 rifle, five (5) speedboats and several outboard motors found in the residence of the Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, Cpt. Petinglay added.

Cpt. Petinglay said that Hassan, 48, is one of the wanted personalities in Malaysia for his involvement in the abduction of Taiwanese national Chang An Wei, a.k.a Evelyn Chan, at the Pom Pom Island Resort in Sabah in November 2013. Hassan's possible involvement in the kidnapping activities cannot be discounted and are being looked into.

He was reportedly dwelling in Barangay Panglima Alari, Sitangkai, where he used his share from ransom payment for his illegal drugs “shabu” operations in the municipalities of Sibutu, Sipangkot and Bongao, all in Tawi-Tawi.

Cpt. Petinglay said Hassan recruited cohorts and acquired several speedboats to sustain his illegal activities and became the key facilitator in the illegal drugs trade in Tawi-Tawi.

“We are continuously conducting law enforcement support operations to assist the police and other law enforcement agencies in expediting the arrest of notorious members of the Kidnap for Ransom Group and in pre-empting kidnapping attempts in the province,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

"We would also like to urge local leaders and communities to continue reporting whereabouts of these lawless elements especially Abu Sayyaf members to competent authorities. They should not allow these bandits to stay or roam around their respective areas so that their community can live in peace”, MGen. Galvez added.