RP captures 13 Abu Sayyaf rebels

RP captures 13 Abu Sayyaf rebels

PHILIPPINES: Manila has captured 13 members of the Abu Sayyaf
group which the United States has linked to extremists
responsible for last month's air attacks on U.S. landmarks, a
Manila official said on Thursday.

One Abu Sayyaf guerrilla was killed in the military operation
on Tuesday on an isle near Zamboanga city on the main southern
island of Mindanao, presidential national security adviser Roilo
Golez told reporters.

The United States has named the Abu Sayyaf as one of the
groups supporting Saudi-born dissident Osama bin Laden and his Al
Qaeda organization, which U.S. officials blame for the Sept. 11
suicide attacks on New York and Washington.

The Abu Sayyaf has been holding two American nationals and 16
Filipinos hostage for months on Basilan island, near Mindanao.
A total of 178 Abu Sayyaf members have been captured by
Philippine troops since July. -- Reuters