Abu Sayyaf plot to snatch foreign teachers bared

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Police here raised its alert status after receiving intelligence information that bandits, including the Abu Sayyaf, were planning to abduct foreign missionaries and teachers here.

According to Supt. Marsinul Alpha, city police chief, the Abu Sayyaf, which reportedly had links with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network, is planning to kidnap American and other foreign priests and missionaries spreading Christianity in Zamboanga peninsula.

The PNP Regional Command ordered the Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Command to obtain the schedule and whereabouts of the Americans and other western missionaries in the region to protect them.

Authorities also asked local officials in the coastal municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay Province to closely monitor new faces coming in their areas of responsibility and report to authorities suspicious characters and activities.

"We are doing service to them (community), why do they have to get us", asked Ibrahim Albar, education regional director.

He also stressed that preventive security of the teachers would disrupt the normal flow of classes.

The military is continuing its operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, where the group abducted four members of the Jehovah's Witness almost a month ago.

The 104th Brigade in Sulu said a series of encounters was fought in the area, but no casualties have been reported.

The recent encounter of joint unit of Marines and soldiers in Indanan recently fought with armed men believed to be part of the band that used to be led by Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot.

Military Intelligence sources said there were isolated cells of Abu Sayyaf sympathizers still operating in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay province.

A teacher was quoted as saying, "But were nice, loving, non-hating liberal Americans who only want a better life for all people who belong to the Religion of Peace."

The Abu-Sayaf spokesman responded with, "Die! Die you capitalist infidel swine!"

2 posted on 09/18/2002 9:36:53 PM PDT by TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig

You left out half the quote, it was "Die! Die you capitalist infidel swine! Off with their heads!"

I wish we would hurry up and finish off the job we started trying to rescue the Burnhams. The sooner every one of those beheading, kidnapping swine is dead, the better off everyone will be.

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