Misplaced Pages

Abu Sayyaf
The logo of ISIL, which was adopted by Abu Sayyaf
Leaders	Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani † Khadaffy Janjalani † Abu Sabaya † Jainal Antel Sali Jr. † Albader Parad † Isnilon Hapilon † Mahmur Japuri † Hajan Sawadjaan † Radullan Sahiron
Dates of operation	1989–2024
Headquarters	Jolo, Sulu, Philippines
Active regions	Philippines, Malaysia
Ideology	Islamic Statism
Size	≤20 members (April 2023 est.)
Part of	Islamic State
Allies	14K (triad) Maute group al-Qaeda (formerly)
Opponents	Philippines Other combatants:  Australia  Brunei  Cambodia  Canada  China  East Timor  Fiji  France  Indonesia  Japan  Kiribati  Laos  Malaysia  Marshall Islands  Micronesia  Mongolia  Myanmar  Nauru  New Zealand  North Korea  Palau  Papua New Guinea  Russia  Samoa  Singapore  Solomon Islands  South Korea  Taiwan  Thailand  Tonga  Tuvalu  United Kingdom  United States  Vanuatu  Vietnam Moro National Liberation Front Moro Islamic Liberation Front Jemaah Islamiyah (until 2024)
Battles and wars	Moro conflict, Cross border attacks in Sabah, War on Terror, South Thailand insurgency, Siege of Marawi

Abu Sayyaf (/ˈɑːbuː sɑːˈjɑːf/ ; Arabic: جماعة أبو سياف; Jamāʿat Abū Sayyāf, ASG), officially known by the Islamic State as the Islamic State – East Asia Province, was a Jihadist militant and pirate group that followed the Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam. It was based in and around Jolo and Basilan islands in the southwestern part of the Philippines, where for more than five decades, Moro groups had been engaged in an insurgency seeking to make Moro Province independent. The group was considered violent and was responsible for the Philippines' worst terrorist attack, the bombing of MV Superferry 14 in 2004, which killed 116 people. The name of the group was derived from Arabic abu (أبو; "father of"), and sayyaf (سيّاف; "swordsmith"). As of April 2023, the group was estimated to have about 20 members, down from 1,250 in 2000. They used mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles.

The group has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortion. It has been involved in criminal activities, including rape, child sexual assault, forced marriage, drive-by shootings and drug trafficking. The goals of the group "appear to have alternated over time between criminal objectives and a more ideological intent".

The group was designated as a terrorist group by Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. From January 15, 2002, to February 24, 2015, fighting Abu Sayyaf became a mission of the American military's Operation Enduring Freedom and part of the Global War on Terrorism. Several hundred U.S. soldiers were stationed in the area primarily to train Filipino troops in counter-terror and counterguerrilla operations, but, following a status of forces agreement and under Philippine law, they were not allowed to engage in direct combat.

The group was founded by Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, and led after his death in 1998 by his younger brother Khadaffy Janjalani until his death in 2006. On July 23, 2014, Isnilon Hapilon, one of the group's leaders, swore an oath of loyalty to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State (IS). In September 2014, the group began kidnapping people for ransom, in the name of the IS. Since the "All-Out-War" directive issued from 2016 during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte over continuous rampant attacks perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf towards innocent civilians, this has greatly destructing the Abu Sayyaf terror group with many of their notable notorious leaders and members were killed and arrested; while former followers who return to normal lives were reintegrated into society after serving their time in prison and undergoing rehabilitation. On March 22, 2024, after more than three decades causing chaos to society, the Abu Sayyaf was finally dismantled as announced by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. William Gonzales.

Background and history

In the early 1970s, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was the main Muslim rebel group fighting in Basilan and Mindanao. Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, the older brother of Khadaffy Janjalani, had been a teacher from Basilan, who studied Islamic theology and Arabic in Libya, Syria and Saudi Arabia during the 1980s. Abdurajak went to Afghanistan to fight against the Soviet Union and the Afghan government during the Soviet–Afghan War. During that period, he was alleged to have met Osama bin Laden and been given $6 million to establish a more Islamic group drawn from the MNLF. Both Abdurajak Abubakar and Khadaffy were natives of Isabela City, one of the poorest cities of the Philippines and capital of Basilan.

Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani leadership (1989–1998)

In the early 1990s, the MNLF moderated into governing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, becoming the ruling government in majority Muslim areas of Mindanao in 1996. When Abdurajak returned to Basilan in 1990, he gathered radical members of the old MNLF who wanted to resume armed struggle and in 1991 established the Abu Sayyaf. Janjalani was funded by a Saudi Islamist, Mohammed Jamal Khalifa, who came to the Philippines in 1987 or 1988 and was head of the Philippine branch of the International Islamic Relief Organization foundation. A defector from Abu Sayyaf told Filipino authorities, "The IIRO was behind the construction of Mosques, school buildings, and other livelihood projects" but only "in areas penetrated, highly influenced and controlled by the Abu Sayyaf". According to the defector, "Only 10 to 30% of the foreign funding goes to the legitimate relief and livelihood projects and the rest go to terrorist operations". Khalifa married a local woman, Alice "Jameelah" Yabo.

By 1995, Abu Sayyaf was active in large-scale bombings and attacks. The first attack was the assault on the town of Ipil, Zamboanga del Sur in April 1995. This year marked the escape of 20-year-old Khadaffy Janjalani from Camp Crame in Manila along with another member named Jovenal Bruno. On December 18, 1998, Abdurajak was killed in a gun battle with the Philippine National Police in Basilan. He was thought to have been about 39.

The death of Aburajak marked a turning point in Abu Sayyaf operations. The group shifted to kidnappings, murders, and robberies, under his younger brother Khadaffy. The Sulu Archipelago experienced some of the fiercest fights between government troops and Abu Sayyaf through the early 1990s. It was reported that Abu Sayyaf began expanding into neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia by that time.

Khadaffy Janjalani leadership (1999–2007)

Until his death in a gun battle on September 4, 2006, Khaddafy Janjalani was considered the nominal leader of the group by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Then-23-year-old Khadaffy took leadership of one of the Abu Sayyaf's factions in an internecine struggle. He then worked to consolidate his leadership, causing the group to appear inactive for a period. After his leadership was secured, Abu Sayyaf began a new strategy, taking hostages. The group's motive for kidnapping became more financial than religious during this period, according to locals. Hostage money probably provides the group's financing.

Abu Sayyaf expanded its operations to Malaysia in 2000, when it abducted foreigners from two resorts. This action was condemned by most Islamic leaders. It was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of more than 30 foreigners and Christian clerics and workers, including Martin and Gracia Burnham. An influential commander named Abu Sabaya was killed at sea in June 2002 while trying to evade local forces. His death was considered a crucial turning point for the group, as the number of operatives working for Abu Sayyaf sharply decreased from 1,100 in 2001 to 450 in late 2002, and had since been stagnant for the next ten years.

Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot, one of the group's leaders, was captured in Sulu in December 2003. On 14 March 2005, inmates from the Abu Sayyaf Group rioted inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig in an apparent escape attempt and barricaded the second floor of the building, leading to a standoff which ended the next day when government forces stormed the prison. 24 Abu Sayyaf members, including Commanders Robot, Kosovo (Alhamser Limbong) and Global (Nadjmi Sabdullah), were killed, along with three prison guards and a police officer.

An explosion at a military base in Jolo, on February 18, 2006, was blamed on the group by Brig. General Alexander Aleo. Khadaffy was indicted in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for his alleged involvement in terrorist attacks, including hostage-taking and murder, against United States nationals and other foreign nationals. Consequently, on February 24, 2006, Khadaffy was among six fugitives in the second and most recent group of indicted fugitives to be added to the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list along with two fellow members, Isnilon Totoni Hapilon and Jainal Antel Sali Jr.

On December 13, 2006, it was reported that Abu Sayyaf members may have been planning attacks during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in the Philippines. The group was reported to have trained alongside Jemaah Islamiyah militants. The plot was reported to have involved detonating a car bomb in Cebu City where the summit was to take place. On December 27, the Philippine military reported that Khaddafi's remains had been recovered near Patikul, in Jolo and that DNA tests had been ordered to confirm the discovery. He was allegedly shot in the neck in an encounter with government troops in September on Luba Hills in Patikul, Sulu.

2010–present

In a video published in the summer of 2014, senior Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and other masked men swore their allegiance or "bay'ah" to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the "Islamic State" (IS) caliph. "We pledge to obey him on anything which our hearts desire or not and to value him more than anyone else. We will not take any emir (leader) other than him unless we see in him any obvious act of disbelief that could be questioned by Allah in the hereafter." For many years prior to this, Islamic State's competitor, al-Qaeda, had the support of Abu Sayyaf "through various connections". Observers were skeptical about whether the pledge would lead to Abu Sayyaf becoming an ISIS outpost in Southeast Asia, or was simply a way for the group to take advantage of the newer group's international publicity.

In May 2017, Hapilon and other members of Abu Sayyaf joined the Islamic extremist Maute Group based in Lanao del Sur during their attempt to seize control of Marawi City, sparking the Battle of Marawi which destroyed much of the city and ended with his killing, along with that of Maute leader Omar Maute by government forces in October.

In August 2020, MNLF chairman Nur Misuari turned in Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan to the Philippine National Police four months after Susukan surrendered to Misuari in Davao City.

By 2022, the Islamic State's East Asia Province had absorbed pro-IS groups in Indonesia and a few militants in Thailand. In the latter country, alleged IS members have become involved in the South Thailand insurgency, claiming their first attack in Pattani on April 15, 2022.

In 2023, the government declared that Sulu province was free of Abu Sayyaf militants. In December, ISIS declared responsibility for the deadly Mindanao State University bombing.

On March 22, 2024, the Philippines announced that Abu Sayyaf had been "fully dismantled", bringing an end to the decades-long jihadist insurgency. However, the group is still operating and attacking Philippine security forces.

On April 24, 2024, Abu Sayyaf militants engaged in a brief shootout with police officers in Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan, leaving at least one militant dead.

After April 2024, the group was inactive.

Supporters and funding

Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani's first recruits were soldiers of MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). However, both MNLF and MILF deny links with Abu Sayyaf. Both officially distance themselves because of its attacks on civilians and its supposed profiteering. The Philippine military, however, has claimed that elements of both groups provide support to Abu Sayyaf. The group was originally not thought to receive funding from outside sources, but intelligence reports from the United States, Indonesia and Australia found intermittent ties to the Indonesian Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist group, and the Philippine government considers the Abu Sayyaf to be part of Jemaah Islamiyah. The government noted that initial funding for ASG came from al-Qaeda through the brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden, Mohammed Jamal Khalifa.

Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist Ramzi Yousef operated in the Philippines in the mid-1990s and trained Abu Sayyaf soldiers. The 2002 edition of the United States Department's Patterns of Global Terrorism mention links to Al-Qaeda. Continuing ties to Islamist groups in the Middle East indicate that al-Qaeda may be continuing support. As of mid-2005, Jemaah Islamiyah personnel reportedly had trained about 60 Abu Sayyaf cadres in bomb assembling and detonations.

Funding

The group obtained most of its financing through kidnap ransom and extortion. One report estimated its revenues from ransom payments in 2000 were between $10 and $25 million. According to the State Department, it may receive funding from radical Islamic benefactors in the Middle East and South Asia. It was reported that Libya facilitated ransom payments to Abu Sayyaf. It was also suggested that Libyan money could possibly be channeled to Abu Sayyaf. Russian intelligence agencies connected with Victor Bout's planes reportedly provided Abu Sayyaf with arms. In 2014 and since, kidnapping for ransom has been the primary means of funding.

The chart below collects events that Abu Sayyaf received ransoms or payments that are euphemistically called "board and lodgings". The more detailed information can be seen in the Timeline of Abu Sayyaf attacks.

Motivation, beliefs, targets

Filipino Islamist guerrillas such as Abu Sayyaf have been described as "rooted in a distinct class made up of closely-knit networks built through the marriage of important families through socioeconomic backgrounds and family structures", according to Michael Buehler. This tight-knit, familial structure provides resilience but also limits their growth. Commander of the Western Mindanao Command Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, describes Abu Sayyaf as "a local group with a local agenda". Two kidnapping victims, (Martin and Gracia Burnham) who were kept in captivity by ASG for over a year, "gently engaged their captors in theological discussion" and found Abu Sayyaf fighters to be unfamiliar with the Qur'an. They had only "a sketchy" notion of Islam, which they saw as "a set of behavioural rules, to be violated when it suited them", according to author Mark Bowden. As "holy warriors, they were justified in kidnapping, killing and stealing. Having sex with women captives was justified by their claiming them as "wives".

Unlike MILF and MNLF, the group is not recognised by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and according to author Robert East, was seen as "nothing more than a criminal operation" at least prior to 2001. A Center for Strategic and International Studies report by Jack Fellman notes the political rather than religious motivation of ASG. He quotes Khadaffy's statement that his brother was right to split from MNLF because "up to now, nothing came out" of attempts to gain more autonomy for Moro Muslims. This suggests, Fellman believes, that ASG "is merely the latest, albeit most violent, iteration of Moro political dissatisfaction that has existed for the last several decades".

Some Abu Sayyaf members are also "shabu" (methamphetamine) users as described by surviving hostages who saw Abu Sayyaf members taking shabu as well from military findings who found drug packets in many of the abandoned Abu Sayyaf nests that justified their motivation as extreme criminals and terrorists as their state of mind were under the influence of drugs rather than being consciously fighting for the betterment of their region as well rights to living under their minority religion without any discrimination from the majority Filipinos. Its spokesman known as Abu Rami (d. 2017) appeared to lack knowledge of the activities of other members, as the group had apparently separated into many small groups with their own leaders.

Targets

Most Abu Sayyaf victims have been Filipinos; however, in recent years (especially from 2011 onwards), Australian, British, Canadian, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Norwegian, Swiss and Vietnamese nationals have been kidnapped or attacked.

Previously, Americans were particularly targeted. An unnamed ASG spokesman allegedly stated, "We have been trying hard to get an American because they may think we are afraid of them". He added, "We want to fight the American people."

In 1993, Abu Sayyaf kidnapped an American Bible translator. In 2000, Abu Sayyaf captured an American Muslim and demanded that the United States release Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman and Ramzi Yousef, who were jailed for their involvement in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing in New York City.

Between March 2016 – July 2017, the majority of Abu Sayyaf kidnap for ransom operations shifted to the high seas. Seventeen ships were boarded and some sixty-five hostages from six countries were taken. In total, thirty hostages have been released (usually after a ransom was paid), seven escaped, three were rescued by Philippine security forces, and four were executed. Two others were killed during the attacks while eight seamen escaped during the shipjackings. An additional forty seamen were not taken hostage.

Crimes and terrorism

Abu Sayyaf has carried out numerous bombings, kidnappings, assassinations, and extortion activities. These include the 2000 Sipadan kidnappings, the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnappings and the 2004 SuperFerry 14 bombing.

Kidnappings

Although the group has engaged in kidnapping hostages to be exchanged for ransom for many years, this means of funding grew dramatically beginning in 2014, providing funds for the group's rapid growth.

In the Philippines

Journalists abducted since 2000

ABS-CBN's Newsbreak reported that Abu Sayyaf abducted at least 20 journalists from 2000 to 2008 (mostly foreign journalists). All of them were eventually released upon payment of ransom.

• GMA-7 television reporter Susan Enriquez (April 2000, Basilan, a few days);
• 10 Foreign journalists (7 German, 1 French, 1 Australian and 1 Danish, in May 2000, Jolo, for 10 hours);
• German Andreas Lorenz of the magazine Der Spiegel (July 2000, Jolo, for 25 days; he was also kidnapped in May);
• French television reporter Maryse Burgot and cameraman Jean-Jacques Le Garrec and sound technician Roland Madura (July 2000, Jolo, for 2 months);
• ABS-CBN television reporter Maan Macapagal and cameraman Val Cuenca (July 2000, Jolo, for 4 days);
• Philippine Daily Inquirer contributor and Net 25 television reporter Arlyn de la Cruz (January 2002, Zamboanga, for 3 months)
• GMA-7 television reporter Carlo Lorenzo and cameraman Gilbert Ordiales (September 2002, Jolo, for 6 days).
• Filipino Ces Drilon and news cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderrama released unharmed after ransom paid (June 2008 Maimbung, Sulu for 9 days; See 2008 Maimbung kidnappings).
• Jordanian TV journalist Baker Atyani and his two Filipino crews were kidnapped in June 2012 by the Abu Sayyaf militants they had sought to interview in the jungles of Sulu province. The two crew were freed in February 2013. Al Arabiya News Channel stated that their correspondent, Atyani, was handed over to the local governor's office on December 4, 2013. However, police and military officials could not ascertain whether Atyani had escaped from his captors or was freed.

Jeffrey Schilling

On August 31, 2000, American citizen and Muslim convert Jeffrey Schilling from Oakland, California, was captured on Jolo while visiting a terrorist camp with his new wife, Ivy Osani (a cousin of Abu Sabaya, one of the rebel leaders), whom he had met online. ASG demanded a $10 million ransom. Rebels also sarcastically threatened to behead him in 2001 as a "birthday present" to then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who responded by declaring "all-out war" on them. The beheading threat was withdrawn after Schilling's mother, Carol, flew to the Philippines and appealed for mercy on local radio. On April 12, 2001, Philippine soldiers raided a rebel camp and rescued the American. The United States praised the Philippine government for freeing Schilling.

Many commentators have been critical of Schilling, who claims to have walked willingly into the camp after he was invited by his wife's cousin, a member of Abu Sayyaf.

Schilling was one of more than 40 hostages taken by Abu Sayyaf in 2000, including 21 tourists and workers seized in a raid on Sipadan diving resort in neighboring Malaysia. Many of the hostages were released after Libya paid millions of dollars. A Libyan official stated that Schilling had visited the Jolo camp often before his capture. Philippine intelligence sources say he was interested in selling military equipment to the rebels, while the bandits accused him of being a CIA agent. Abu Sayyaf threatened several times to kill Schilling. At one stage, Schilling reportedly went on a hunger strike to win his freedom.

Martin and Gracia Burnham

On May 27, 2001, an Abu Sayyaf raid kidnapped about 20 people from Dos Palmas, an expensive resort in Honda Bay, taking them to the north of Puerto Princesa City on the island of Palawan, which had been "considered completely safe". The most "valuable" hostages were three North Americans, Martin and Gracia Burnham, a missionary couple, and Guillermo Sobero, a Peruvian-American tourist who was later beheaded, following a $1 million ransom demand. The hostages and hostage-takers then returned to Abu Sayyaf territories in Mindanao. According to Bowden, the leader of the raid was Abu Sabaya. According to Gracia Burnham, she told her husband "to identify his kidnappers" to authorities "as 'the Osama bin Laden Group,' but Burnham was unfamiliar with that name and stuck with" Abu Sayyaf. After returning to Mindanao, Abu Sayyaf conducted numerous raids, including one that culminated in the Siege of Lamitan and "one at a coconut plantation called Golden Harvest; they took about 15 people captive there and later used bolo knives to hack the heads off two men. The number of hostages waxed and waned as some were ransomed and released, new ones were taken and others were killed."

On June 7, 2002, about a year after the raid, Philippine army troops conducted a rescue operation in which Martin Burnham and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap were killed. The remaining hostage was wounded and the hostage takers escaped. In July 2004, Gracia Burnham testified at a trial of eight Abu Sayyaf members and identified six of the suspects as her captors, including Alhamzer Limbong, Abdul Azan Diamla, Abu Khari Moctar, Bas Ishmael, Alzen Jandul, and Dazid Baize. "The eight suspects sat silently during her three-hour testimony, separated from her by a wooden grill. They face the death sentence if found guilty of kidnapping for ransom. The trial began this year and is not expected to end for several months." Alhamzer Limbong was later killed in a prison uprising. Burnham claimed that Philippine military officials were colluding with her captors, saying that the Armed Forces of the Philippines "didn't pursue us ... As time went on, we noticed that they never pursued us".

2007 Father Bossi kidnapping

On June 10, 2007, Italian priest Reverend Giancarlo Bossi was kidnapped near Pagadian, capital of Zamboanga del Sur Province in the southern Philippines. Pope Benedict XVI made an appeal to free him. Bossi was released on July 19, 2007, at Karumatan, a Muslim town in Lanao del Norte Province, allegedly after the payment of ransom. Father Bossi died in Italy on September 23, 2012.

In December 2020, Samad Awang, alias Ahmad Jamal, of the Abdussalam kidnap-for-ransom group was killed in a firefight with government troops in Zamboanga City. Awang was reportedly involved in the kidnapping of Italian missionary Fr. Giancarlo Bossi in 2007, businessman Joel Endino in 2011, and teacher Kathy Kasipong in 2013.

2009 Red Cross kidnapping

On January 15, 2009, Abu Sayyaf kidnapped International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegates in Patikul, Sulu Province, Philippines. Three ICRC workers had finished conducting fieldwork in Sulu province, located in the southwest of the country when they were abducted by an unknown group, later confirmed as Albader Parad's group. All three were eventually released. According to a CNN story, Parad was reportedly killed, along with five other militants, in an assault by Philippine marines in Sulu province on Sunday, February 21, 2010.

2009 Irish priest kidnapping

On October 11, 2009, Irish Catholic missionary Michael Sinnott, aged 79, from Barntown County Wexford was kidnapped from a gated compound in Pagadian, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur province, suspected to be part of ASG and some renegade members of MILF. Six kidnappers forced the priest into a mini-van and drove towards Sta. Lucia (district), where they transferred to a boat. Sinnott had a heart condition and was without medication when abducted. In early November, a demand for $US2 million ransom was made. On November 11, 2009, Father Sinnott was released in Zamboanga City. The Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) claimed that no ransom was paid by the Irish Government.

2010 Japanese treasure hunter

On July 16, 2010, Japanese national Toshio Ito was kidnapped from Pangutaran, Sulu. At one point, the Philippine police believed the "treasure hunter", a Muslim convert also known by his Muslim name Mamaito Katayama, was acting as a cook for Abu Sayyaf; however, this was disputed by other nations, including the United States, which included him on its list of kidnap victims. A classified document obtained by Rappler lists Ito first, saying he was held captive by Abu Sayyaf's most senior leader, Radullan Sahiron, in Langpas, Indanan, Sulu early in 2013.

2011 Malaysian gecko trader

On May 8, 2011, Malaysian gecko trader Mohammad Nasauddin Bin Saidin was kidnapped while hunting for gecko (tuko) in Indanan, Sulu. Saidin was freed on May 12, 2012.

2011 Indian national kidnapping

On June 22, 2011, Indian national Biju Kolara Veetil was captured by four armed men while visiting his wife's relatives on the island of Jolo. A$10 million ransom was demanded. Veetil later denied that he was released in August 2012 because he had converted to Islam during captivity.

Warren Rodwell

Warren Richard Rodwell, a former Australian Army soldier and university English teacher, was shot through the right hand when seized from his home at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines on December 5, 2011 by ASG militants. Rodwell later had to have a finger amputated. ASG threatened to behead Rodwell if their $US2 million ransom demand was not met. Both the Australian and Philippine governments had strict policies against paying ransoms. Australia formed a multi-agency task force to liaise with Rodwell's family and assist Philippine authorities. A news blackout was imposed. Filipino politicians helped negotiate the release. After the payment of $AUD94,000 for "board and lodging" expenses by his siblings, Rodwell was released on March 23, 2013.

Arrests and killings

On June 16, 2014, suspects Jimmy Nurilla (alias Doc) and Bakrin Haris were arrested. Both reportedly worked under Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Khair Mundos and Furuji Indama. Authorities believed Nurilla and Haris took part in the Rodwell kidnapping, as well as the separate abduction of US citizen Gerfa Yeatts Lunsman and her son Kevin in 2012. In January 2015, Mindanao Examiner newspaper reported the arrest of Barahama Ali kidnap gang sub-leaders linked to the kidnapping of Rodwell, who was seized by at least 5 gunmen (disguised as policemen), and eventually handed over or sold by the kidnappers to the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan province.

In May 2015, ex-Philippine National Police (PNP) officer Jun A. Malban, alias Michael Zoo, was arrested in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, for the crime of "Kidnapping for Ransom" after Rodwell identified him as the negotiator/spokesperson. Further PNP investigation revealed that Malban is the cousin of Abu Sayyaf leaders Khair and Borhan Mundos (both of whom were arrested in 2014). The director of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) stated that Malban's arrest resulted from close co-ordination by the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines) and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission with the Malaysian counterparts and through Interpol. In January 2018, Rodwell attended a court hearing for Malban and others in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, pursuant to a Supreme Court petition to transfer his case for security reasons to a court in either Manila or Zamboanga City.

In August 2015, Edeliza Sumbahon Ulep, alias Gina Perez, was arrested at Trento, Agusan del Sur during a joint manhunt operation by police and military units. Ulep was tagged as the ransom courier in the kidnapping. In August 2016, The Manila Times reported the arrest of the kidnap-for-ransom group of Barahama Alih sub-leader, Hasim Calon alias Husien (also a notorious drug dealer), in his hideout in Tenan village in Ipil town. Hasim Calon was involved in Rodwell's abduction. Earlier in 2016, police forces killed Waning Abdulsalam, a former MILF leader, in the village of Singkilon. Abdulsalam was one of the most wanted criminals in the southern Philippines and connected to ASG. He was linked to the kidnappings of Rodwell in 2011, Irish missionary Michael Sinnott in 2009 in Pagadian City, and Italian Catholic priest Giancarlo Bossi in Zamboanga del Sur's Payao town in 2007. In March 2019, combined security forces of the 44th Infantry Battalion, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine Coast Guard arrested five members (Benhazer Anduhol, Solaiman Calonof, Nicanel Maningo, Jay-ar Abba Quartocruz and Hashim Lucas Samdani) of Barahama Alih criminal gang during drug operations with warrants in Barangay Tenan of Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay. Military sources allege Barahama Alih Group was responsible for a number of kidnapping incidents in previous years including the abduction of Australian national Warren Rodwell, Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi, and some local Filipinos.

In February 2018, Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Nurhassan Jamiri was reported by Malaysia regional intelligence sources as one of three gunmen killed in a gunfight with police in Sabah. Jamiri was atop the Philippines' most wanted list and implicated in dozens of ransom kidnappings including Rodwell. In March 2018, Jamiri turned up alive when he and thirteen followers surrendered to authorities in Basilan. Over the preceding two years, many Abu Sayyaf bandits had surrendered to authorities in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. More were expected to yield because of the regional government's Program Against Violence and Extremism (PAVE), designed to provide opportunities and interventions, including psychosocial sessions, medical check-ups, introduction to farming systems, and expository tours outside the island provinces to facilitate the reintegration of former combatants into society. In April 2018, Rodwell lauded the surrenders and reintegration program, but said he would not interfere with the legal processing of any charges already filed against anyone involved with his own kidnapping.

In June 2020, Inquirer newspaper reported the killing of Mamay Aburi by government troops in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay after authorities attended to serve a warrant of arrest. Aburi was allegedly a subleader of a kidnap-for-ransom group and had been linked with the Abu Sayyaf Group based in Sulu. The provincial director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Aburi was involved in the 2011 kidnapping of Australian national Warren Rodwell and the 2019 abduction of the Hyrons couple in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur. In February 2021, The Manila Times reported that Abu Sayyaf subleader Arrasid Halissam was shot dead when he opened fire on police serving a warrant on him in the village of Santa Maria, Zamboanga City. Halissam was linked to numerous kidnappings such as Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell, Americans Gerfa Lunsmann and son Kevin, Chinese Yuan Lin Kai and Jian Luo, South Korean Nwi Seong Hong, and almost a dozen Filipinos. Halissam was also allegedly involved in the 2015 bombing in Zamboanga that killed two people and injured over fifty others.

2012 European bird watchers

On February 1, 2012, two European bird watchers were seized on Tawi Tawi island. Swiss Lorenzo Vinciguerra escaped in December 2014 as government troops attacked the jungle camp where he was captive on the island of Jolo. Vinciguerra was shot by rebels as he escaped; however, his injuries were non-life-threatening. Dutch captive Ewold Horn was reportedly unable to escape. The whereabouts of Horn remained unknown. On May 31, 2019, Western Mindanao Command confirmed that Horn was shot dead during a clash with military in Patikul, Sulu. Additionally, the military advised that the wife of ASG leader Radulan Sahiron and five other ASG members were also killed.

2012 Mayor Jeffrey Lim Kidnapping

On April 2, 2012, Mayor Jeffrey Lim of Salug, Zamboanga del Norte was kidnapped by ten armed men disguised as policemen. Lim was reportedly handed over to Abu Sayyaf. On November 6, he was freed near Zamboanga City after payment of P1.3M ($US25,000) ransom. On August 9, 2013, a Mindanao Pagadian Frontline report named a "Sehar Muloc" aka "Red Eye" as a suspect in the 2012 kidnapping of Mayor Jeffrey Lim. Abner Gumandol, alias Sehar Muloc and Red Eye, was said to be the leader of a criminal syndicate called the Muloc Group. Gumandol was arrested on June 12, 2016.

2014 Kabasalan ZSP kidnapping

On September 11, 2014, Chinese national Li Pei Zhei was abducted by four gunmen in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay and taken to Basilan. He was released in Sitio Lugay-Lugay, Barangay Naga-Naga, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay on November 5, 2014. Police subsequently charged Ibni Basaludin, Yug Enriquez, Brahama Ali, and Ging-Ging Calon, all residents of Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

2015 Roseller Lim ZSP kidnapping

On January 24, 2015, Korean national Nwi Seong Hong was abducted by armed men in Roseller Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay Province. The victim's son, Abby, escaped after he fought off the kidnappers. According to intelligence information from the JTG-SULU, the captors of were Algabsy Misaya, Idang Susukan, Alden Bagade and Mohammad Salud alias Ama Maas, Indanan-based members led by sub-leaders Isang Susukan and Anga Adji. On October 31, 2015, the body of 74-year-old Nwi Seong Hong was found in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu. Investigators said the victim died due to severe illness.

2015 Samal Island kidnappings

On September 21, 2015, Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel, as well as Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and (Hall's girlfriend) Marites Flor; a Filipino woman, were abducted on Samal Island near Davao. Ridsdel was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf on April 25, 2016, following a ransom deadline. ASG reportedly demanded more than $8.1 million for Ridsdel and the others.

On May 3, 2016, a video of the Ridsdel execution was released, along with new demands for the remaining hostages. A masked captor said, "Note to the Philippine government and to the Canadian government: The lesson is clear. John Ridsdel has been beheaded. Now there are three remaining captives here. If you procrastinate once again the negotiations, we will behead this all anytime".

On May 15, Hall appeared in a new video, announcing that he and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad would be decapitated at 3 pm on Monday June 13 absent a ransom of $16 million. Both hostages wore orange coveralls, similar to hostages in videos produced by IS, to which Abu Sayyaf had previously pledged allegiance. The deadline passed. Hall was beheaded.

On June 24, Abu Sayyaf released Filipina Marites Flor. She was subsequently flown to Davao to meet President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte said he directed negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf. He did not elaborate.

On September 17, 2016, remaining hostage Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad was released on Jolo island. Abu Rami, an ASG spokesman, claimed $638,000 was paid as ransom.

2015 Dipolog kidnapping

On October 7, 2015, Italian national and pizza restaurant owner Rolando del Torchio was kidnapped in Dipolog, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte. On April 8, 2016, Del Torchio was released and found at Jolo port aboard MV KC Beatrice bound for Zamboanga City after his family paid P29 million ($US650,000) in ransom.

2019 Tukuran kidnapping

On October 4, 2019, armed men abducted British national Allan Hyrons and his Filipina wife Wilma from their beach resort in Tukuran town, Zamboanga del Sur province on the southern island of Mindanao. After a brief exchange of gunfire in November between Abu Sayyaf and Philippine troops on the island of Jolo, the couple was abandoned and rescued. No ransom was reportedly paid.

In Malaysia

2000 Sipadan kidnappings

On May 3, 2000, Abu Sayyaf guerrillas occupied the Malaysian dive resort island Sipadan and took 21 hostages, including 10 tourists and 11 resort workers – 19 foreign nationals in total. The hostages were taken to an Abu Sayyaf base in Jolo. Two Muslim Malaysians were released soon after. Abu Sayyaf made various demands for the release of several prisoners, including 1993 World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Yousef and $2.4 million. In July, a Filipino television evangelist and 12 of members of the Jesus Miracle Crusade Church offered their help and went as mediators for the relief of other hostages. They, three French television crew members and a German journalist, all visiting Abu Sayyaf on Jolo, were also taken hostage. Most hostages were released in August and September 2000, partly due to mediation by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and an offer of $25 million in "development aid".

Abu Sayyaf conducted a second raid on the island of Pandanan near Sipadan on September 10 and seized three more Malaysians. The Philippine army launched a major offensive on September 16, 2000, rescuing all remaining hostages, except Filipino dive instructor Roland Ullah. He was freed in 2003. Abu Sayyaf coordinated with the Chinese 14K Triad gang in carrying out the kidnappings. The 14K Triad has militarily supported Abu Sayyaf.

2013 Pom Pom kidnappings

On November 15, 2013, Abu Sayyaf militants raided a resort on the Malaysian island of Pom Pom. During the ambush, Taiwanese citizen Chang An-wei was kidnapped and her husband, Hsu Li-min, was killed. Chang was taken to the Sulu Archipelago. Chang was freed in Sulu Province and returned to Taiwan on December 21.

2014 Singamata, Baik Island and Kampung Air Sapang kidnappings

On April 2, 2014, a kidnap gang believed to originate from Abu Sayyaf militants raided Singamata Reef Resort off Semporna. Chinese tourist Gao Huayun from Shanghai and Filipino resort worker Marcy Dayawan were abducted and taken to the Sulu Archipelago. The two hostages were later rescued after a collaboration between Malaysian and Philippines security forces.

On May 6, five Abu Sayyaf gunmen raided a Malaysian fish farm on Baik Island Sabah, kidnapped the fish farm manager and took him to Jolo island. He was freed in July with the help of Malaysian negotiators.

On June 16, two gunmen believed to be from Abu Sayyaf kidnapped a Chinese fish farm manager and one Filipino worker in Kampung Air Sapang. The worker managed to escape and disappeared. Meanwhile, the fish farm manager was taken to Jolo. He was released on December 10.

Malaysian authorities identified five Filipinos, the "Muktadil brothers", as responsible for these cases. They sold their hostages to the Abu Sayyaf group. Of the five Muktadil brothers: Mindas Muktadil was killed by Philippine police in May 2015, Kadafi Muktadil was arrested in late 2015, Nixon Muktadil and Brown Muktadil were killed by the Philippine military on September 27, 2016, after they resisted arrest, while Badong Muktadil succumbed to his injuries while fleeing after he was shot when his brothers was killed. His body was discovered in a pump boat in Mususiasi.

2015 Ocean King Restaurant kidnappings

On May 15, 2015, four armed Abu Sayyaf members kidnapped two Malaysian nationals from Ocean King Restaurant in an upscale resort in Sandakan, Sabah and took them to Parang, Sulu. Police identified the leaders of the group behind the abduction as Alhabsy Misaya, Alden Bagade and Angah Adji. On November 8, Thien Nyuk Fun, the seafood restaurant owner, was released after payment of 30 million pesos ($US675,000) ransom. The initial agreement of 30 million pesos was reportedly for both hostages; however, a faction within the Abu Sayyaf Group demanded more after Thien Nyuk Fun was released. Further negotiations broke down and the other hostage, electrical engineer Bernard Then, was beheaded on Jolo Island on November 17.

Philippines and Malaysia waters

2014 German sailors kidnapping

In April 2014, Germans Dr. Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen were captured on their yacht on the high seas near Borneo. Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead one of them. After payment of $US5.6 million in October 2014, the pair were released in Patikul, Sulu.

2016 Local and foreign sailors kidnappings

On March 26, 2016, ten Indonesian seafarers were held hostage by ASG operating in Sulu Archipelago. They were abducted from the Brahma 12 tugboat and the Anand 12 barge near Tawi-Tawi province. The Indonesian vessels were freighting coal from South Borneo heading for Batangas port when hijacked. In April, the Indonesian government announced that the company that owned tugboat Brahma 12 had agreed to pay the 50-million-peso ($1 million) ransom. On May 2, they were released.

On April 1, four Malaysian sailors aboard a tugboat from Manila were kidnapped when they arrived near the shore of Ligitan Island. Their companions, three Myanmar nationals and two Indonesians, were unharmed. On June 8, they were released.

On April 15, four Indonesian sailors were kidnapped when two Indonesian tugboats from Cebu, Henry and Cristi, were attacked by Abu Sayyaf militants. While five of the passengers were safe, one was shot before he was rescued. They were released on May 11. A group of concerned Filipinos in Sabah urged Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to intervene for the release of four Malaysians held hostage by Abu Sayyaf. The issue strained the relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia.

On June 21, seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped while aboard a tugboat passing through the Sulu Archipelago.

On July 9, three Indonesian fishermen were kidnapped near the coast of Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia and released on September 17.

On July 18, five Malaysian sailors were abducted near the coast of Lahad Datu.

On August 3, an Indonesian sailor was kidnapped in the waters of Malaysia leaving two other crew members unharmed. This incident was reported by victims on August 5. Two of the hostages managed to escape after receiving persistent threats of beheading.

On September 10, three Filipino fishermen were kidnapped on the shores of Pom Pom Island.

On September 22, another Indonesian hostage was released.

On September 27, one Malaysian boat-skipper was kidnapped from his trawler by seven armed militants before the group attacked another Indonesian trawler; however, no kidnappings were committed in the second incident. The hostage was released on October 1, with no ransom demand, along with three Indonesians hostages who were released the same day.

On October 21, approximately ten Abu Sayyaf militants attacked a South Korean-bound vessel named MV Dongbang Gian and abducted a South Korean skipper and a Filipino crewman off Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

On November 5, German sailor Sabine Merz was shot dead while her husband Jürgen Kantner was abducted from their yacht off Tanjong Luuk Pisuk in Sabah. On or before February 27, 2017, Kantner was beheaded after a ransom of 30 million pesos ($US600,000) was not paid.

On November 11, Vietnamese vessel MV Royale 16 with nineteen sailors on board was attacked by Abu Sayyaf near Basilan, abducting six sailors and injuring one. The remaining thirteen sailors were released.

On November 20, two Indonesian fishermen were kidnapped by five gunmen off Lahad Datu.

Due to the increase of attacks against foreign vessels by Abu Sayyaf, the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines agreed to jointly patrol their waters on May 5, 2016. The three countries formed another agreement on joint air patrols.

During the first six months of 2016, Abu Sayyaf made $7.3 million, equivalent to Php 353 million, from ransom payoffs.

Beheadings

As part of its kidnap-for-ransom operations, the Abu Sayyaf has executed some of their male hostages if ransom demands were not met. The group had previously beheaded Christian civilians and others they consider kafir without demanding ransoms for their release, due to their religious affiliation.

Bombings

2004 Superferry 14 Bombing

Superferry 14 was a large ferry destroyed by a bomb on February 27, 2004, killing 116 people in the Philippines' worst terrorist attack and the world's deadliest terrorist attack at sea. On that day, the 10,192 ton ferry sailed out of Manila with about 900 passengers and crew on board. A television set filled with 8 lb. (4 kilograms) of TNT had been placed on board. 90 minutes out of port, the bomb exploded. 63 people were killed instantly and 53 were missing and presumed dead. Despite claims from terrorist groups, the blast was initially thought to have been an accident caused by a gas explosion. However, after divers righted the ferry five months after it had sunk, they found evidence of a bomb blast. A man called Redendo Cain Dellosa admitted to planting the bomb for Abu Sayyaf. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the bombing while the masterminds, Khadaffy Janjalani and Abu Sulaiman, were killed.

2016 Davao City bombing

On September 2, 2016, an explosion occurred at a night market in Davao City, Philippines killing at least 15 and injuring 70. Shortly before the bombing, Abu Sayyaf made a threat following the intensified military operation against them. Abu Sayyaf spokesperson Abu Rami was reported to claim responsibility. He later denied the report and any involvement, saying a group allied to them; the Daulat Ul-Islamiya were responsible. Although the Abu Sayyaf spokesman denied involvement, the Philippine government blame the group.

This is not the first time that Davao has been sacrificed to the altar of violence. It's always connected with Abu Sayyaf before. They gave a warning. We know that.

— Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines

2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings

On January 27, 2019, two bombs detonated at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo town which is the center of Abu Sayyaf stronghold. The bombings resulting to eighteen people were killed while 82 others were injured, mostly from Philippine Army's 35th Battalion and civilians inside the church. The Philippine military said the Abu Sayyaf under the faction of Ajang-Ajang are responsible which is also echoed by peace advocate with evidence from military intelligence operatives that they have intercepted plans of the latter to bomb the other parts of downtown Jolo months before. The bombings took place a week after a referendum for the creation of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region with the attacks is described as the opposition by the Abu Sayyaf group for their areas inclusion under the Bangsamoro authorities since the whole Sulu province itself is already known to be against the referendum with 163,526 oppose votes (54.3%).

Criticism of attacks against civilians

Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi in Qatar denounced the kidnappings and killings committed by Abu Sayyaf, asserting that they are not part of the dispute between the Abu Sayyaf and the Philippine government. He stated that it is shameful to commit such acts in the name of the Islamic faith, saying that such acts produce backlash against Islam and Muslims. During the 2000 Sipadan kidnappings, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) condemned the kidnapping and offered to help secure their release. OIC Secretary General Azeddine Laraki told the Philippine government he was prepared to send an envoy to help save the hostages and issued a statement condemning the rebels. "The Secretary General has pointed out that this operation and the like are rejected by divine laws and that they are neither the appropriate nor correct means to resolve conflicts", the statement said.

The terrorism against civilians committed were condemned by MNLF and MILF, who said that Abu Sayyaf strayed from their real paths of struggle, with MILF labeling Abu Sayyaf as "anti-Islam" soon after Ridsdel's beheading in 2016. MNLF described the group as "causing chaos to their community". Both Christian and Muslim groups in the Philippines condemned Abu Sayyaf beheadings.

The kidnappings were criticized by Indonesia. On July 14, 2016, a group of Indonesian protesters gathered in front of the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, holding banners that read "Go to hell Philippines and Abu Sayyaf" and "Destroy the Philippines and Abu Sayyaf" due to what was seen as the lack of action from the Philippine government. The group demanded a large scale military operation to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, with the Indonesian military proposing to send its forces to the Philippines prior to the protest, only to be rejected by the Philippine government on constitutional grounds.

Military operations

The Philippine military has engaged Abu Sayyaf since the 1990s. Under President Duterte, the Philippine government sought a peace agreement with the MNLF and MILF, but not the "bunch of criminals" in Abu Sayyaf. The Philippine military intensified operations in 2003, following the arrest of a Filipino-American who was alleged to have sold illegal weapons to the group. The suspect was tagged by US authorities as "one of the United States' most wanted fugitives". He was then deported by the Philippine government to face legal action in the United States.

On July 29, 2016, the military gained control of an Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Tipo-Tipo. The Philippine military pledged to eliminate Abu Sayyaf. On August 25, President Duterte ordered the group to be "destroyed" after it beheaded a teenager. Following the incident, the Philippine military sent thousands of troops to fight and destroy Abu Sayyaf. Filipino Army Major Filemon Tan said, "The order of the president is to search and destroy the Abu Sayyaf so that's what we are doing". Both MNLF and MILF began helping to suppress extremism in Mindanao, which helps the peace process for both groups.

Philippine security forces collaborated with Malaysia and Indonesia to maintain security in the Sulu Sea. The Indonesian government proposed to station army units in Mindanao to launch a major offensive against Abu Sayyaf. The Indonesian government called on the Malaysian and Philippine armies to launch combined land attacks together on Mindanao, while at the same time urging the Philippine government to allow Indonesia and Malaysia military forces to enter Philippine territory. The Vietnamese military started to hold military exercises against Abu Sayyaf (known locally as "pirates" by the Vietnamese) following the repeat kidnappings of Malaysian and Indonesian sailors. The Philippine military provided one battalion to go against each subgroup. On September 9, following the meeting between President Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, an agreement was reached to pursue the Abu Sayyaf. The Philippine President said:

We agreed to encourage the earliest and effective implementation of cooperative frameworks to address security issues in maritime areas of common concern. We expressed commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure security in the Sulu Sea and maritime areas of common concern. There will be some interdiction by their armed forces and our armed forces and that is not really a warning but just a statement that we have decided to end this problem once and for all. Unlike the previous agreement with our neighbours, this time we will allow our neighbours to chase ships and pursue them even when they are in Philippine waters – "until such time that there is a competent Philippine authority who will take over in the chase. Maybe what's in my mind really is the hot pursuit and if the hot pursuit is done in the high seas, in the international waters, they can and they can even arrest or destroy them if they present a violent resistance". Malaysia will also be involved in this co-operation.

— Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines

However, the government of Indonesia decided to not launch a military operation in the southern Philippines, stating that there is enough Philippine military personnel had been deployed. Indonesia's view was seconded by Malaysia. Philippine military chief Ricardo Visaya warned the Abu Sayyaf that they would continue with further major military operations. The military chief gave notice to Abu Sayyaf members to surrender or be "neutralised", (killed or apprehended).

Some 20 Abu Sayyaf surrendered in Sumisip on September 22. The day before, Philippine armed forces confiscated 200 speedboats used by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga. President Duterte rejected a proposal by Nur Misuari, the leader of MNLF to include Abu Sayyaf in peace talks. On September 27, another attempt to smuggle weapons to Abu Sayyaf was prevented by the Philippine National Police in San Juan City. Four people were arrested. By October 14, the Philippine military had launched 579 military operations, 426 of which were focused to "neutralise" group members. 54 engagements resulted in 56 Abu Sayyaf members killed, 21 surrendered and 17 arrested.

Abu Sayyaf fatalities then increased to 102, with seven more apprehended. Notable Abu Sayyaf leaders were killed, including Nelson Muktadil, Braun Muktadil, their sub-leader Mohammad Said, Jamiri Jawhari, Musanna Jamiri, the group spokesman Abu Rami and Alhabsy Misaya. In addition, another 165 fast boats used for transport and kidnapping activities were confiscated. By April 13, 2017, 50 more ASG members had surrendered. In the same month, Philippine authorities discovered the presence of militants from Indonesia and Malaysia killed during the ongoing operations (notable foreigners such as Sanusi, Zulkifli Abdhir, Ibrahim Ali, Mohd Najib Husen and Mohisen were among the dead) as well as the presence of a "traitor" among their security members when a top policewoman was caught for her ties with the group. Indonesia admitted the presence of its citizens who came from North Sulawesi and said they could not prevent them from joining, given the lack of security on their borders. Malaysia discovered that militants were using Sabah as a transit point. The two pledged to prevent cross-border terrorism and curb the activities of militants.

Early on November 26, 2016, Duterte stated that he would open peace talks with Abu Sayyaf group (as he did with the MNLF and MILF by offering federalism as a possible solution) while continuing to fight against the Maute group, a move criticized by Philippine analysts as it would be used by extreme rebels to claim for legitimacy as a group. In a statement, the President said:

I can bomb more if I want to. At the end of the day, what can I say to the Filipino? That we have wiped out almost all of our Yakan, Sama, Tausūg brothers? Even those not connected with the violence now? Either we talk, if you want autonomy or if you want something else, federalism, I am ready. I am committed to (a) federalism set-up to appease the Moro.

His statements were criticized by national media as leading to confusion about whether he wanted peace talks. Another IS-linked group, the Maute emerged in 2016. On December 7, Duterte told the Indonesian and Malaysian leaders that "they can bomb the Abu Sayyaf along with the hostages if the Abu Sayyaf continue to present persistent threats and the hostages should already know that there is repeated warnings to not go there". In early 2019, Duterte emphatically stated that he would never initiate or agree to any peace talks with Abu Sayyaf due to his detestation for the group's record of atrocities and its treatment of innocent people as young as 8 years old.

In the aftermath of the 2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings, President Duterte ordered an "All-Out-War" directive against the Abu Sayyaf Group, which led to heavy ground operations, massive airstrikes, artillery bombardment in surrounding areas, the evacuation of civilian in other areas, and the creation of the 11th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

See also

• Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
• Siege of Marawi

Notes

References

1. ^ Ressa, Maria Angelita (August 4, 2014). "Senior Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath to ISIS". Rappler. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
2. David Von Drehle (February 26, 2015). "What Comes After the War on ISIS". Time. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
3. "Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Sulu encounter". InterAksyon.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2015.
4. "Radullan Sahiron – Rewards For Justice". Archived from the original on February 25, 2013.
5. "FBI – Raddulan Sahiron". FBI. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
6. Banlaoi, Rommel (2019). Al-Harakatul Al-Islamiyyah: Essays on the Abu Sayyaf Gorup, Terrorism in the Philippines from Al-Qaeda to ISIS (4th ed.). Quezon City Philippines: Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research. p. 215. OCLC 828628004. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
7. ^ Mendoza, John Eric (March 22, 2024). "Abu Sayyaf now 'dismantled' after over 30 years – Westmincom chief". Inquirer.net. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
8. "Philippine police kill an Abu Sayyaf militant implicated in 15 beheadings and other atrocities". Associated Press. March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
9. ^ "Jolo, stronghold of Islamist group Abu Sayyaf". France 24. May 8, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
10. "Abu Sayyaf a threat no more". April 5, 2023.
11. ^ Lino Miani (2011). The Sulu Arms Market: National Responses to a Regional Problem. Institute of Southeast Asian. pp. 74–. ISBN 978-981-4311-11-3.
12. ^ "Abu Sayyaf declared as terrorist organization in Philippines". Iran Daily. September 10, 2015. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
13. ^ "Australian National Security, Terrorist organisations, Abu Sayyaf Group". Australian Government. July 12, 2013. Archived from the original on December 24, 2018. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
14. ^ "Currently listed entities". Public Safety Canada. December 16, 2015. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
15. ^ Febrianto (March 29, 2016). "Indonesia Tak Boleh Tunduk Terhadap Terorisme Abus Sayyaf!" (in Indonesian). Rima News. Archived from the original on April 25, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
16. ^ "Abu Sayyaf Group". Public Safety Intelligence Agency. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
17. ^ "Hunt down the killers, CM tells Manila". Daily Express. November 19, 2015. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
18. ^ Terrorism Act 2000 (11, Schedule 2). 2000.
19. ^ Joel Locsin (June 20, 2015). "US govt lists NPA, Abu Sayyaf, JI among foreign terrorist organizations in PHL". GMA News. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
20. ^ "Filipino pirates attack Vietnamese fishermen near Banggi". Borneo Post. Dantri. October 16, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
21. ^ Stephanie Lee (October 16, 2014). "Abu Sayyaf suspected of shooting fishing boat". The Star. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
22. ^ Gilbert Felongco (January 30, 2007). "MNLF faction helps troops in hunt for Abu Sayyaf". Gulf News. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
23. ^ Jeoffrey Maitem (May 3, 2016). "MILF helps in hunt for Abu Sayyaf, calls Ridsdel beheading anti-Islam". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
24. Singh, Bilveer (October 7, 2018). "Jemaah Islamiyah: Still Southeast Asia's Greatest Terrorist Threat". The Diplomat. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
25. "Indonesia's JI terror group declares dissolution, but security threat remains, say analysts". The Straits Times. July 3, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
26. Banlaoi, Rommel. "Al Harakatul Al Islamiyah: Essays on the Abu Sayyaf Group" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 24, 2011.
27. Zenn, Jacob (2019). "The Islamic State's Provinces on the Peripheries: Juxtaposing the Pledges from Boko Haram in Nigeria and Abu Sayyaf and Maute Group in the Philippines". Perspectives on Terrorism. 13 (1): 87–104. ISSN 2334-3745. JSTOR 26590511.
28. Feldman, Jack. "Abu Sayyaf" (PDF). Center for Strategic and International Studies. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 17, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
29. ^ Banlaoi, Rommel C. "Maritime Terrorism in Southeast Asia: The Abu Sayyaf Threat". Archived from the original on September 20, 2011.
30. FBI Updates Most Wanted Terrorists and Seeking Information – War on Terrorism Lists, FBI national Press Release, February 24, 2006 Archived August 30, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
31. "Abu Sayyaf commander linked to Sabah kidnappings killed by Philippines forces".
32. East, Robert (2013). Terror Truncated: The Decline of the Abu Sayyaf Group from the Crucial Year 2002. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 3. ISBN 9781443866699. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
33. ^ Banlaoi, Rommel C. (2006). "Abu Sayyaf Group: From Mere Banditry to Genuine Terrorism". Southeast Asian Affairs. 2006 (1): 247–262. doi:10.1355/SEAA06O.
34. Dacanay, Barbara Mae (April 21, 2002). "Abducted nurse marries Abu Sayyaf leader". Gulf News. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
35. Martin, Gus (2012). Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues. Sage Publications. p. 319.
36. "ABU SAYYAF GROUP (ASG)". US Department of State.
37. ^ "Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)". MIPT Terrorism Knowledge Base. Archived from the original on August 27, 2006. Retrieved September 20, 2006.
38. LaGrone, Sam (February 27, 2015). "U.S. Officially Ends Special Operations Task Force in the Philippines, Some Advisors May Remain". USNI News. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
39. "Flashpoint: No bungle in the jungle". Armed Forces Journal. September 1, 2007. Archived from the original on October 21, 2007. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
40. "2 US Navy men, 1 Marine killed in Sulu land mine blast". GMA News. September 29, 2009. Archived from the original on October 2, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2009. Two US Navy personnel and one Philippine Marine soldier were killed when a land mine exploded along a road in Indanan, Sulu Tuesday morning, an official said. The American fatalities were members of the US Navy construction brigade, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. He did not disclose the identities of all three casualties. and
    Al Pessin (September 29, 2009). "Pentagon Says Troops Killed in Philippines Hit by Roadside Bomb". Voice of America. Retrieved January 12, 2011. and
    "Troops killed in Philippines blast". Al Jazeera. September 29, 2009. Archived from the original on October 3, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2009. and
    Jim Gomez (September 29, 2009). "2 US troops killed in Philippines blast". CBS News. Archived from the original on February 2, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
41. "2 U.S. Troops Killed in Philippines Blast". CBS News. September 29, 2009. Archived from the original on February 2, 2011. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
42. "Troops killed in Philippines blast". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on October 3, 2009. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
43. "Pentagon Says Troops Killed in Philippines Hit by Roadside Bomb". VOA. November 7, 2009. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
44. "2 US Navy men, 1 Marine killed in Sulu land mine blast". GMA News Online. September 29, 2009. Archived from the original on October 2, 2009. Retrieved March 26, 2023. Two US Navy personnel and one Philippine Marine soldier were killed when a land mine exploded along a road in Indanan, Sulu Tuesday morning, an official said. The American fatalities were members of the US Navy construction brigade, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. He did not disclose the identities of all three casualties
45. Oltermann, Philip (September 24, 2014). "Islamists in Philippines threaten to kill German hostages". The Guardian. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
46. ^ Sherwell, Philip (May 23, 2016). "How Abu Sayyaf makes a business of beheadings as Islamist terror gang releases 'final message' hostage video". The Telegraph. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
47. Crisostomo, Sheila (November 23, 2024). "Former Abu Sayyaf members reintegrated in society". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
48. ^ Clark, Emily (September 21, 2006). "Abu Sayyaf History". U.S. Pacific Command. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009.
49. ^ "Who are the Abu Sayyaf?". London: BBC. December 30, 2000. Archived from the original on June 16, 2022.
50. ^ Abuza, Zachary (December 5, 2003). "Funding Terrorism in Southeast Asia: The Financial Network of Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah" (PDF). The National Bureau of Asian Research. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 27, 2006. Retrieved September 20, 2006.
51. Banlaoi, Rommel (January 2019). Al-Harakatul Al-Islamiyyah: Essays on the Abu Sayyaf Group, Terrorism in the Philippines from Al A Qaeda to ISIS. Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research. Retrieved October 5, 2019. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
52. Abuza, Zachary (2003). "Funding Terrorism in Southeast Asia: The Financial Network of Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya". Contemporary Southeast Asia. 25 (2): 169–199. doi:10.1355/CS25-2A (inactive December 9, 2024). ISSN 0129-797X. JSTOR 25798639. S2CID 153657097.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of December 2024 (link)
53. "National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States". July 9, 2003. Retrieved June 19, 2012. Mr. Gunaratna: Sir, Mohammad Jamal Khalifa ... arrived in the Philippines in 1988 and he became the first director, the founding director, of the International Islamic Relief Organization of Saudi Arabia.
54. Giraldo, Jeanne K.; Trinkunas, Harold A. Terrorism Financing and State Responses: A Comparative Perspective. Stanford University Press. p. 120. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
55. Khalifa, Mohammed Jamal. "Complete 911 Timeline. Mohammed Jamal Khalifa". History Commons. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015.
56. Abuza, Zachary (September 2005). Balik-Terrorism: The Return of the Abu Sayyaf (PDF). Carlisle PA: Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College. p. 47. ISBN 978-1-58487-208-5. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2012. Based on IIRO documents at the PSEC, Khalifa was one of five incorporators who signed the documents of registration; another was Khalifa's wife, Alice 'Jameelah' Yabo.
57. ^ Elegant, Simon (August 30, 2004). "The Return of Abu Sayyaf". Time Asia. Archived from the original on August 24, 2004.
58. "Fresh fighting in S Philippines". London: BBC. September 7, 2006.
59. Gomez, Jim (January 17, 2007). "Philippines says militant's death a blow". Yahoo! News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 18, 2007.
60. ^ "Manilla captures senior Abu Sayyaf". CNN. December 7, 2003.
61. "Ex-hostage describes jungle ordeal". CNN. May 9, 2003.
62. "Prominent Abu Sayyaf Commander Believed Dead". Institute for Counter-Terrorism. Archived from the original on January 5, 2006. Retrieved September 20, 2006.
63. East, Bob (2013). Terror Truncated: The Decline of the Abu Sayyaf Group from the Crucial Year 2002. Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. pp. 3, 23. ISBN 978-1-4438-4461-1. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
64. "Profiles of dead Abu Sayyaf leaders". London: BBC. March 15, 2005.
65. "Bloody end to Manila jail break". London: BBC. March 15, 2005.
66. Punay, Edu (March 16, 2005). "Troops storm jail; 23 dead". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
67. "Blast at US Philippines army base". London: BBC. February 18, 2006.
68. "US indicts Abu Sayyaf leaders". London: BBC. July 23, 2002.
69. "FBI puts al-Zarqawi high on its list". CNN. February 24, 2006.
70. "Tiahrt responds to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist indictments". United States House of Representatives. Archived from the original on September 10, 2006. Retrieved September 20, 2006.
71. Banlaoi, Rommel (November 2019). Marawi Siege and Its Aftermath: The Continuing Terrorist Threats. Cambridge Scholars Publisher. ISBN 978-1527538245. OCLC 1126644229.
72. "Philippines military 'kills Islamist Isnilon Hapilon'". BBC News. October 16, 2017. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
73. Bayron, Heda (December 13, 2006). "Manila Again Denies Terror Plot Led to Postponement of Asia Summits". Voice of America (VoA). Archived from the original on December 13, 2006.
74. ^ FlorCruz, Michelle (September 25, 2014). "Philippine Terror Group Abu Sayyaf May Be Using ISIS Link For Own Agenda". International Business Times. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
75. "Terrorists Isnilon Hapilon, Omar Maute killed in Marawi battle". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
76. Mangosing, Frances (August 13, 2020). "PH military unaware Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan was in Davao City, Lorenzana says". Philippine Daily Inquirer News. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
77. Marquez, Consuelo; Alipala, Julie S. (August 13, 2020). "Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan handed over to police; PNP chief thanks Misuari". Philippine Daily Inquirer News. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
78. Jacob Zenn (June 3, 2022). "Briefs". Jamestown Foundation. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
79. Mendoza, John Eric (September 7, 2023). "PH Army officially declares Sulu province Abu Sayyaf-free". Inquirer.net. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
80. "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
81. Stambaugh, Heather Chen, Alex (December 3, 2023). "ISIS claims deadly blast at Catholic mass in southern Philippines". CNN. Retrieved December 18, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
82. "Philippine police kill an Abu Sayyaf militant implicated in 15 beheadings and other atrocities". AP News. April 26, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
83. "Ferry bomb terror suspect held in Manila". CNN. August 30, 2008.
84. "Air raids hit Philippines rebels". London: BBC. November 20, 2004.
85. "AsiaWeek: 08.31.1999". AsiaWeek. August 31, 1999.
86. James, Michael S.; Cooley, John Kent (December 20, 2001). "The Abu Sayyaf-Al Qaeda Connection-Abu Sayyaf Terrorist Group Alleged to Have Links to Al Qaeda". abc News International. Retrieved December 20, 2001.
87. "Abu Sayyaf survives US-backed Philippine crackdown". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012.
88. Banlaoi, Rommel C. (2004). War on terrorism in Southeast Asia. Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store. pp. 1–235. ISBN 971-23-4031-7. OCLC 57477534.
89. Lazaro, Cecilia (August 10, 2003). "Gunfight in philippine bomber hunt". CNN.
90. "Bin Laden Funds Abu Sayyaf Through Muslim Relief Group". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 9, 2000.
91. Mogato, Manny, "Philippine rebels linking up with foreign jihadist". Reuters August 21, 2005.
92. Del Puerto, Luige A. "PNP : Alliance of JI, RP terrorists strong". Philippines Daily Inquirer (internet version), November 20, 2005
93. Vaughn, Bruce (2009). Terrorism in Southeast Asia. DIANE Publishing. p. 17. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
94. Banlaoi, Rommel C. (2010). "The Sources of Abu Sayyaf's Resilience in the Southern Philippines". Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. Archived from the original on May 28, 2017. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
95. Niksch, Larry (January 25, 2002). "Abu Sayyaf: Target of Philippine-U.S. Anti-Terrorism Cooperation" (PDF). CRS Report for Congress. Federation of American Scientists. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022.
96. The deadly convenience of Victor Bout. ISN Eth Zurich. June 24, 2008
97. Pallister, David (March 6, 2009). "Background: the life of Viktor Bout". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
98. ^ Hookway, James (November 18, 2016). "Terror Grows in Southern Philippines From Militants Linked to Islamic State Kidnappings, beheadings by Abu Sayyaf raise fears of expanding terror threat in Southeast Asia". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
99. Mogato, Manuel (April 26, 2016). "Beheading highlights lucrative kidnap business of Philippine rebels". Reuters. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
100. Jacinto, Al; Murdoch, Lindsay (January 4, 2012). "$US2m ransom on Australian's life". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on September 28, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
101. Bashan, Yoni (March 25, 2013). "Freed hostage Warren Rodwell says he is overwhelmed and grateful for support".
102. "The bloodstained trail of the Abu Sayyaf". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
103. "The bloodstained trail of the Abu Sayyaf". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 28, 2017.
104. ^ Mogato, Manuel; Lema, Karen; Nienaber, Michael; Collett-White, Mike (October 17, 2014). Lawson, Hugh (ed.). "Philippine militants free two German hostages". Reuters. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
105. ^ "Abu Sayyaf frees Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad". Al Jazeera. Retrieved September 28, 2017.
106. ^ Mangosing, Frances; Alipala, Julie S. (April 8, 2016). "Italian man kidnapped in Dipolog City freed". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
107. ^ Lakshmi, Aiswarya (April 20, 2016). "Ship Owner to Pay Ransom for Indonesian Hostages". MarineLink. Archived from the original on September 29, 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2017.
108. Tarrazona, Noel (September 25, 2016). "Abu Sayyaf strategy posing threat to Philippines' neighbors". Asia Times. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
109. Bowden, Mark (March 1, 2007). "Jihadists in Paradise". The Atlantic.
110. East, Robert (May 17, 2015). Terror Truncated: The Decline of the Abu Sayyaf Group from the Crucial Year 2002. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 2. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
111. Fellman, Jack. "Abu Sayyaf Group" (PDF). Center for Strategic International Studies. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 17, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
112. "(INFO FROM EX-CAPTIVES) Military says Abu Sayyaf members are shabu users". GMA News. September 29, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
113. Fe Perez, Annie; Nadela, Junrey (April 12, 2017). "Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Rami killed in Bohol clash". ABS-CBN News. Reuters. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
114. Golingai, Philip (October 1, 2016). "A peek into the mind of Abu Sayyaf man". The Star. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
115. "Engine trouble and kidnappings". sailingtotem.com. June 25, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
116. Abuza, Zachary (August 3, 2017). "Why Vietnam Must Fight the Islamic State Terror Threat". The Diplomat by Zachary Abuza. Archived from the original on January 29, 2018. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
117. "Muslim militants abduct two Filipino journalists; four kidnapped foreign journalists still in captivity". Committee to Protect Journalists. July 24, 2000. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
118. "Three journalists abducted by terrorist group". Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. June 9, 2008. Archived from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
119. Fonbuena, Carmela; Aguilar, Jenny (December 6, 2008). "Abu Sayyaf abducted 20 journalists since 2000". Rp3.abs-cbnnews.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015.
120. "Former jail guard linked to kidnap of Red Cross team in Philippines". ABC News Australia. January 16, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
121. "Abu Sayyaf releases Jordanian journalist". The Philippine Star. December 5, 2013. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
122. Cayabyab, Marc Jayson (December 5, 2013). "Jordanian journalist Atyani escaped from Abu Sayyaf —report". GMA News. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
123. ^ Paddock, Richard C. (April 13, 2001). "Philippine Soldiers Rescue U.s. Hostage". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on February 4, 2018. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
124. "US Hostage Freed in Philippines". CBS News. April 12, 2001. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2008.
125. "Larry Thompson, Deputy Attorney General (Live Transcript)". CNN. July 23, 2002.
126. Johnson, Chip (April 14, 2001). "What Was Schilling Thinking? Oblivious Oakland Man Sets Himself Up". San Francisco Chronicle.
127. Nery, John (December 6, 2008). "Newsstand: Gracia's enemies". Archived from the original on December 6, 2008.
128. ^ "Manhunt" by Mark Bowden, The Atlantic, March 2007, p.54 (15)
129. ^ Bowden, Mark (March 1, 2007). "Jihadists in Paradise". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
130. "Burham identifies former Abu Captors" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 3, 2005. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
131. "Philippines Brace for Retaliation Archived 9 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine" March 15, 2005, Associated Press.
132. Gracia, Burnham (February 27, 2012). In the presence of my enemies. Tyndale House Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4143-5863-5. OCLC 911195836.
133. Conde, Carlos H. (July 20, 2007). "Kidnapped Italian priest is freed in Philippines". The New York Times. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
134. "Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi, former kidnap victim in Mindanao, dies". GMA online. September 24, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
135. Reyes, Victor (December 11, 2020). "Sub-leader of kidnap group linked to Abu killed in Zambo". Malaya Business Insight. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
136. Alipala, Julie (January 17, 2009). "3 Red Cross kidnap victims alive, safe". Archived from the original on August 29, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
137. See, Aie Balagtas (October 12, 2009). "Gunmen seize Irish priest in Pagadian City". GMA Online. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
138. "Kidnapped Irish priest Michael Sinnott freed in Philippines". The Guardian. November 12, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
139. Uy, Jocelyn R. (July 19, 2012). "Irish priest who survived kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf returning to native land". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
140. "Fr Michael Sinnott freed". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. November 12, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
141. Ressa, Maria Angelita (August 22, 2013). "The men Rodwell leaves behind with the Abu Sayyaf". Rappler. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
142. Alipala, Julie S. (March 21, 2012). "Japanese still a hostage, not Abu Sayyaf cook, academics say". Inquirer Mindanao. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
143. Vargas, Anthony (May 18, 2012). "Kidnapped Malaysian gecko trader freed in Sulu village". The Manila Times. Retrieved February 4, 2018 – via PressReader.
144. "Indian man kidnapped in Philippines—police". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 23, 2011. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
145. Karun, Shenoy (August 12, 2012). "Escaped Biju Kolara Veetil recounts Philippines horror". The Times of India. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
146. East, Bob (2015). 472 days captive of the Abu Sayyaf : the survival of Australian Warren Rodwell. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4438-7171-6. OCLC 897070716.
147. Whaley, Floyd (March 23, 2013). "Kidnapped Australian Is Freed in Southern Philippines". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 1, 2022.
148. Sommer, Belinda (August 17, 2014). "Hostage survivor sheds light on 472-day ordeal". ABC News. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
149. "Abu Sayyaf release Australian hostage Warren Rodwell". BBC News. March 23, 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
150. Rodwell, Warren (October 11, 2014). Shorten, Kristin (ed.). "Warren Rodwell tells of how he survived as a hostage in the Philippines – News Corp Online". News.com.au Online. Archived from the original on November 18, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
151. "Hours from being beheaded, hostage Warren Rodwell is coming home to Australia". The Daily Telegraph March 24, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
152. Portal:Current events/2012 January 5
153. Alipala, Julie S. (March 24, 2013). "Abu Sayyaf bandits free Aussie for P7M". Global Nation Inquirer March 24, 2013. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
154. Murdoch, Lindsay; Jacinto, Al. "Kidnappers send photos showing Rodwell still alive". Sydney Morning Herald January 3, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
155. Murdoch, Lindsay (December 12, 2011). "Kidnap blackout unwise: expert". Sydney Morning Herald December 12, 2011. Archived from the original on August 1, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
156. ^ Murdoch, Lindsay; Jacinto, Al (March 22, 2013). "Kidnapped Australian Warren Rodwell freed by Philippines terrorists after 15 months". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
157. "Freed hostage Warren Rodwell says he is overwhelmed and grateful for support". NewsComAu. March 26, 2013. Archived from the original on August 16, 2015. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
158. "Video – msn Australia, with Outlook.com, Skype, and news". MSN. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
159. Jocson, Liza (June 18, 2014). "2 suspected Abu Sayyaf men believed to belong to bandits' notorious faction". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
160. ^ Jacinto, Al; Murdoch, Lindsay (December 15, 2011). "Officials seek negotiator for talks with kidnappers". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
161. "Mindanao Examiner – Warren Rodwell kidnapper arrested in Zamboanga province". Archived from the original on January 19, 2015. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
162. ^ Jacinto, Al (August 21, 2016). "Kidnap leader arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on January 20, 2018. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
163. "Media Release: NBI files charges vs Abu bandits for Gensan bombing". ABS-CBN News. April 17, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
164. "Media Release: EX-COP ARRESTED IN MALAYSIA FOR KIDNAPPING OF AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL". PNP-AKG Press Release. May 18, 2015. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
165. "Australian kidnap victim seeks case transfer". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
166. Abastillas, Allen (August 14, 2015). "Suspect in 2012 Aussie kidnapping in Ipil nabbed". Zamboanga Times. Archived from the original on September 3, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
167. "Abu Sayyafs' ransom courier falls". Sun Star Zamboanga. August 13, 2015. Archived from the original on August 15, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
168. Pareño, Roel (March 14, 2019). "5 members of notorious crime group nabbed in Zamboanga Sibugay". PhilStar Global. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
169. "Abu Sayyaf leader shot dead in Sabah: Report". The Straits Times. March 1, 2018. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
170. "Notorious Sayyaf leader who escaped Basilan is slain in Sabah clash". Mindanao Examiner. March 1, 2018. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
171. Jacinto, Al (March 29, 2018). "'Killed' Sayyaf leader surrenders in Basilan". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
172. Alipala, Julie (April 4, 2018). "Talk to Abu Sayyaf, Australian kidnap victim urges gov't". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
173. Jacinto, Al (February 3, 2021). "Abu Sayyaf subleader killed in Zamboanga clash". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
174. "Swiss hostages escapes Abu Sayyaf captors in Philippines". BBC News. December 6, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
175. Hunt, Luke (September 20, 2016). "Philippine Militancy in the Spotlight with Freed Norwegian Hostage". thediplomat.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
176. Alipala, Julie (May 31, 2019). "Kidnapped Dutch Ewold Horn dead in Sulu clash". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
177. "Dutch hostage held in Philippines killed in gun battle". Al Jazeera. June 1, 2019. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
178. "Suspect in Dipolog kidnapping was nabbed in 2013 for kidnapping". MindaNews. October 11, 2015. Archived from the original on July 9, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
179. Alipala, Julie S. (November 6, 2012). "Town mayor from Zamboanga del Norte freed after P1.3M ransom". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
180. Pareño, Roel (June 13, 2016). "Suspect in ex-priest's kidnap falls". The Star. Archived from the original on February 8, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
181. Samuddin, Dahlan (November 6, 2014). "CHINESE KIDNAP VICTIM FREED IN SIBUGAY". Philippine National Police. Archived from the original on February 2, 2018. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
182. "4 charged for Chinese businessman's kidnap in Zambo Sibugay". MindaNews. November 7, 2014. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
183. Pareño, Roel (November 2, 2015). "Kidnapped Korean found dead in Sulu". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
184. ^ Hapas, Anne T. (November 2015). "Korean kidnap victim found dead in Jolo". The Philippine Examiner. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
185. "Korean kidnap victim found dead in Sulu". Rappler. November 1, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
186. "Canadian tourists among four abducted by gunmen at Philippines resort". The Guardian. Reuters. September 22, 2015. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
187. "Family devastated after John Ridsdel killed by captors in Philippine". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. April 25, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
188. Dehaas, Josh (April 25, 2016). "PM 'outraged' by killing of Canadian in Philippines". CTV News. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
189. Lilley, Brian (April 26, 2016). "Canadian government was 'very directly involved' helping John Ridsdel's family: Bob Rae". National Post. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
190. "WATCH: ISIS Pledged Terror Group Abu Sayyaf Beheading Execution Of Canadian Hostage John Ridsdel – Video". Zero Censorship. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
191. "John Ridsdel Death: Militants Release Video Of Canadian Hostage's Beheading In Philippines". HuffPost. The Canadian Press. May 3, 2016. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
192. Lilley, Brian (May 3, 2016). "'We will behead this all anytime': Full transcript of new Abu Sayyaf video showing three hostages". National Post. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
193. Lilley, Brian (May 16, 2016). "Canadian hostage dies on June 13 unless $16 million ransom paid, says Filipino terrorist group Abu Sayyaf". National Post. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
194. "Philippines confirms execution of Canadian hostage Robert Hall by Abu Sayyaf". ABC News. June 13, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
195. Santos, Eimor P. (June 24, 2016). "Abu Sayyaf frees Filipina hostage". CNN. Archived from the original on July 28, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
196. "Abu Sayaf militants release former Italian priest Rolando Del Torchio from captivity in Philippines". ABC News Australia. April 9, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
197. "Philippine troops rescue couple kidnapped by IS-linked jihadists Abu Sayyaf in running firefight". ABC News Australia. November 25, 2019. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
198. "Military rescues abducted British national, Filipino wife from Abu Sayyaf". CNN. November 25, 2019. Archived from the original on November 28, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
199. ^ "Abu Sayyaf kidnappings, bombings and other attacks". GMA News. August 23, 2007. Archived from the original on April 22, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
200. "JESUS Miracle Crusade International Ministry – The JESUS Church – Intro". Jmcim.org. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
201. Washington, Freeman (September 10, 2000). "Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels raped Sipadan dive tourist hostages". cdnn.info. Retrieved March 23, 2010.
202. "BBC news.uk". BBC News. August 28, 2000. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
203. "Sipadan Timeline". cdnn.info. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
204. ^ "Pom Pom Island: Tourist killed, wife kidnapped". Emirates 24/7. November 16, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
205. "Militant group Abu Sayyaf behind Taiwanese woman's kidnapping". Want China Times. December 22, 2013. Archived from the original on October 31, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
206. "Kidnapping victim thanks helper for securing release". Focus Taiwan. December 23, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
207. "Abducted Taiwanese woman Evelyn Chang found in Southern Philippines". South China Morning Post. December 20, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
208. Lewis, Leo (April 5, 2014). "Snatched Tourist Faces Torment in Jungle". The Times. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
209. Zolkepli, Farik (December 20, 2013). "Semporna kidnap: Rescued – Taiwanese tourist kidnapped from Pom Pom island resort (Update)". The Star. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
210. ^ Vanar, Muguntan (April 4, 2014). "Semporna resort kidnap: Abductors also involved in Pom-Pom and Sipadan incidents, says Esscom chief". The Star. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
211. "Abu Sayyaf men abduct 2 in Malaysia–officials". Philippine Daily Inquirer. April 3, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
212. Muguntan Vanar (April 3, 2014). "Two abducted from resort off Semporna". The Star. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
213. "Kidnapped tourist, resort worker rescued in Malaysia". Channel NewsAsia. May 31, 2014. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
214. "Women abducted from Malaysian resort released". Al Jazeera. May 31, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
215. "Another abduction in Sabah". Free Malaysia Today. May 6, 2014. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
216. Vanar, Muguntan; Lee, Stephanie (May 8, 2014). "Officials get reports that Chinese national has been taken to Jolo". The Star. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
217. Sario, Ruben; Lee, Stephanie (July 11, 2014). "Malaysian negotiators rescue fish farm manager from Abu Sayyaf gunmen". The Star. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
218. Ramendran, Charles; Cheah, Bernard (June 16, 2014). "Two more kidnapped in Sabah". The Sun. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
219. "Kunak kidnap: "Don't disturb my wife. I will follow you"". The Star. Bernama. June 16, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
220. "Fish farm worker manages to escape armed kidnappers in Sabah". The Star/Asia News Network. June 16, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
221. "Hostage who escaped sought". Daily Express. June 18, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
222. "Kidnappers contact fish breeder's wife". The Star. June 20, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
223. "Fish breeder released by Abu Sayyaf". The Sun. December 10, 2014. Retrieved December 11, 2014.
224. Katharason, PK; Vanar, Muguntan; Sario, Ruben; Lee, Stephanie; Golingai, Philip (June 22, 2014). "Muktadir kin – mastermind behind kidnaps?". The Star. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
225. "Philippines: Two militants linked to sailor abductions killed". Malay Mail. September 27, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
226. Vanar, Muguntan; Lee, Stephanie (September 28, 2016). "Muktadil Brothers gunned down in surprise raid on Sulu island". The Star. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
227. Vanar, Muguntan (September 30, 2016). "Last of Muktadil brothers killed". The Star. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
228. "Kidnapping incident in Sabah recurs". Borneo Post. May 16, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
229. Locsin, Joel (May 15, 2015). "Police: Abu Sayyaf linked to Sabah kidnap". GMA News. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
230. "Sabah hostage released by Abu Sayyaf gunmen". The Star/Asia News Network. November 9, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
231. Dancel, Raul (November 9, 2015). "Abu Sayyaf releases Thien Nyuk Fun, one of two Malaysians taken from Sabah restaurant". The Straits Times. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
232. Vanar, Muguntan; Lee, Stephanie (November 17, 2015). "Malaysian hostage Bernard Then beheaded". The Star. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
233. "Demand for higher ransom led to beheading". The Star. November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
234. Vanar, Muguntan; Lee, Stephanie (November 17, 2015). "Malaysian hostage Bernard Then beheaded". The Star. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
235. Golingai, Philip (November 21, 2015). "Why Bernard Then was beheaded". The Star. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
236. Sanchez, Ray (March 29, 2016). "10 Indonesian sailors kidnapped in the Philippines". CNN.
237. Hume, Tim; Quiano, Kathy (May 2, 2016). "10 Indonesian hostages released by Islamist militant group, president says". CNN.
238. Lai, Nancy; Ringgit, Margaret (April 3, 2016). "Four Sarawakians kidnapped". Borneo Post. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
239. "4 Malaysians released by Abu Sayyaf: Philippine military". Channel NewsAsia. June 8, 2016. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
240. Setyadi, Arief (April 16, 2016). "Kapal Indonesia Kembali Dibajak, 4 WNI Diculik & 1 Ditembak" (in Indonesian). Okezone. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
241. Parlina, Ina; Salim, Tama (May 12, 2016). "Abu Sayyaf releases four remaining RI hostages". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016.
242. "Filipinos in Sabah urge Duterte: Help free hostages". Daily Express. May 13, 2016. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016.
243. Torres, Estrella (June 24, 2016). "Abu kidnappers seize 7 Indonesians". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
244. "Armed Men Kidnap Three Indonesians Off Sabah Coast". Jakarta Globe. July 10, 2016. Archived from the original on October 16, 2016.
245. "Three Indonesians abducted in Sabah waters freed by militant Abu Sayyaf group". New Straits Times. Reuters. September 18, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
246. "5 Malaysian crewmen kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf: Philippine official". Channel NewsAsia. July 20, 2016. Archived from the original on July 23, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
247. Purwanto, Heru, ed. (August 7, 2016). "Govt confirms one more Indonesian abducted in Malaysian water". Antara. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
248. Cerojano, Teresa (August 18, 2016). "Second Indonesian sailor manages to escape Abu Sayyaf captors". CTV News. Associated Press. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
249. "Gunmen kidnaps 3 Filipino fishermen near Pulau Pom Pom". www.thesundaily.my. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
250. Fonbuena, Carmela; Gutierrez, Natashya (September 22, 2016). "Another Indonesian hostage released by the Abu Sayyaf". Rappler. Agence France-Presse. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
251. "Police believe Filipino group raided Sabah twice in same night". The Malay Mail. September 28, 2016. Archived from the original on September 29, 2016. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
252. Vanar, Muguntan (October 1, 2016). "Fishing boat owner freed by Filipino abductors". The Star. Retrieved October 2, 2016.
253. "Abu Sayyaf frees Indonesia tugboat trio after three months in captivity". The Japan Times. Associated Press. October 3, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016.
254. "Abu Sayyaf attacks S. Korean ship, abducts skipper, crewman". Fox News Channel. Associated Press. October 21, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
255. Omar, Awang Ali (November 7, 2016). "Report: German kidnapped, girlfriend killed as Abu Sayyaf storm yacht off Sabah waters". New Straits Times. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
256. "[Female companion found dead in Sulu] ASG claims abducting German off Sabah". GMA News. November 7, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
257. "German sailor beheaded by Philippine Islamists". The Local Germany. GMA News. February 27, 2017. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
258. "6 Vietnamese abducted in attack on cargo ship off Philippines". Tuổi Trẻ. November 11, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
259. Mogato, Manuel; Petty, Martin; Coghill, Kim (November 20, 2016). "Philippines tries to intercept bandits as more fishermen snatched off Sabah". The Star. Reuters. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
260. Satriawan, Budi; Mogato, Manuel; Jensen, Fergus; Birsel, Robert (May 5, 2016). "Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia to coordinate against militant pirates". Reuters. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
261. Mangosing, Francis (October 3, 2016). "Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia agree on joint air patrols". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
262. Gomez, Jim (October 27, 2016). "Abu Sayyaf got $7.3 million from kidnappings". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 28, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
263. Sherwell, Philip (May 23, 2016). "How Abu Sayyaf makes a business of beheadings as Islamist terror gang releases 'final message' hostage video". The Telegraph. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
264. Spillius, Alex (August 5, 2001). "Philippines rebel kidnappers behead nine Christian hostages". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 11, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
265. "Jehovah's Witnesses beheaded in Philippines". The Guardian. August 22, 2002. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
266. Banlaoi, Rommel C. (2007). "Abu Sayyaf Group: Threat of Maritime Piracy and Terrorism". Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
267. Banlaoi, Rommel C. (2010). Philippine security in the age of terror : national, regional, and global challenges in the post-9/11 world. Boca Raton: CRC Press. pp. 1–358. ISBN 978-1-4398-1550-2. OCLC 318414806.
268. de Jesus, Julliane Love (September 8, 2016). "Davao blast suspect identified, Bato says". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 8, 2016. Victims: 40 died and 70 injured.
269. Tesiorna, Ben O. (September 13, 2016). "Pregnant Davao bombing victim dies in hospital; death toll rises to 15". CNN. Archived from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
270. ^ Murdoch, Lindsay (August 31, 2016). "Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte issues 'wipe out' order against Abu Sayyaf". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
271. Santos, Eimor P. (September 2, 2016). "AFP taps 7,000-strong force vs. Abu Sayyaf". CNN. Archived from the original on September 3, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
272. Alipala, Julie (September 2, 2016). "Abu Sayyaf to bring fight to AFP doorstep". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
273. ^ Balana, Cynthia D.; Alipala, Julie (September 2, 2016). "Army pours troops into pursuit; Abus ready for 'last war'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
274. Esmaquel II, Paterno; Cupin, Bea (September 3, 2016). "Abu Sayyaf claims responsibility for Davao blast – report". Rappler. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
275. Nawal, Allan; Alipala, Julie; Manlupig, Karlos (September 2, 2016). "Abu Sayyaf disowns Davao explosion, says ally was behind attack". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
276. "Philippines: Abu Sayyaf blamed for attack in Davao City". Al Jazeera. September 3, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
277. "Death toll in Jolo blasts lowered to 18". CNN. January 27, 2019. Archived from the original on January 27, 2019. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
278. Reyes, Jewel (January 27, 2019). "Military eyes Abu Sayyaf behind twin blasts in Jolo". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
279. Mangosing, Frances (January 28, 2019). "Abu Sayyaf's Ajang-Ajang faction eyed as suspects behind Jolo blasts". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
280. Tomacruz, Sofia (January 24, 2019). "Sulu rejects Bangsamoro law". Rappler. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
281. ^ East, Bob (May 10, 2000). "The Abu Sayyaf in the Archipelago: Discrediting Islam. Abetting USA Foreign Policy" (PDF). Hartford Web Publishing. p. 196 (7/15). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2016.
282. ^ Pareño, Roel (August 9, 2016). "4 Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu clash with MNLF". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
283. Wee, Darwin Wally (April 24, 2017). "Christians, Muslims condemn Abu Sayyaf beheading". UCA News. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017.
284. Kurnia, Dadang; Indrawan, Angga (July 28, 2016). "Ade Komarudin Merasa Indonesia Terhina oleh Kelompok Abu Sayyaf" (in Indonesian). Republika Online. Archived from the original on July 29, 2016.
285. ^ "Protest at Philippine Embassy in Jakarta as Hostage Crisis Worsens". Jakarta Globe. Archived from the original on July 30, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
286. ^ Gutierrez, Natashya (July 14, 2016). "'Go to hell Philippines': Indonesian workers ask Duterte to act on Abu Sayyaf kidnappings". Rappler. Archived from the original on July 26, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
287. "Indonesian Military Not Needed to Free Hostages: the Philippines". Jakarta Globe. Archived from the original on July 26, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
288. "Sayyaf holds 3, not 2, hostages". Manila Standard. December 15, 1995. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
289. "4 hostages killed during rescue". Sun Journal. May 4, 2000. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
290. Alvarez, Katharina Charmaine (July 28, 2016). "('NO TALKS WITH CRIMINALS') Abu Sayyaf excluded from Duterte's peace initiatives". GMA News. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
291. "Fil-Am accused of supplying weapons to Sayyaf deported". The Philippine Star. Associated Press. November 6, 2003. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
292. Mangosing, Frances (July 30, 2016). "LOOK: Scout Rangers gain control of Abu Sayyaf position in Basilan". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
293. Gomez, Jim (August 26, 2016). "Troops kill 11 Abu Sayyaf members". MINDANATION. Archived from the original on August 31, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
294. Marzukhi, Hafiz (July 28, 2016). "Malaysia, Philippines to establish forward base at border". Astro Awani. Archived from the original on July 29, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
295. Marboen, Ade, ed. (July 14, 2016). "Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines finalizing SOP for joint patrols". Antara. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
296. Heriyanto, Devina (July 14, 2016). "Q&A: Rethinking Indonesia's military operation in southern Philippines". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on July 30, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
297. "Jakarta proposes 3-nation land ops against Abu Sayyaf". The Straits Times. August 4, 2016. Archived from the original on August 5, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
298. Sapiie, Marguerite Afra (August 5, 2016). "Military commanders need to draft joint military exercise SOP: Gatot". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on August 5, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
299. "Vietnamese ships to get piracy warnings". Vietnam Net. Vietnam News Agency. May 4, 2016. Archived from the original on September 4, 2016.
300. Pareño, Roel (September 5, 2016). "One Army battalion going after each Abu Sayyaf leader". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
301. Natashya Gutierrez (September 9, 2016). "Duterte wants Abu Sayyaf kidnappers 'blown up' at sea". Rappler. Agence France-Presse. Archived from the original on September 12, 2016.
302. Halim, Haeril (September 20, 2016). "Indonesia won't enter Philippine waters despite green light". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016.
303. Reyes, Victor (September 12, 2016). "AFP chief to ASG: Surrender or die". Malaya Business Insight. Archived from the original on September 27, 2016.
304. Adamczyk, Ed (September 23, 2016). "20 Abu Sayyaf militants surrender in Philippines". United Press International. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
305. Ager, Maila (September 21, 2016). "Gov't seizes 200 high-powered speedboats from Abu Sayyaf". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
306. Ranada, Pia (September 26, 2016). "Duterte: No amnesty for Abu Sayyaf". Rappler. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
307. Bolando, AJ (September 27, 2016). "High-powered guns for Abu Sayyaf, ARMM execs seized in San Juan". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
308. Colcol, Erwin (October 14, 2016). "AFP: 59 bandits killed in Duterte's first hundred days". GMA News. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
309. "AFP report: 94 Abu Sayyaf 'neutralized,' 14 hostages freed". Rappler. October 17, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
310. ^ "Senior Abu Sayyaf Leader Offers to Surrender". The Maritime Executive. April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
311. "Philippine marines kill Abu Sayyaf extremist leader". Deutsche Welle. April 29, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
312. ^ Marasigan, Fernan (October 17, 2016). "Use all 'tools of war' vs Abu Sayyaf". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on October 19, 2016. Retrieved October 19, 2016.
313. Villamor, Felipe; Umel, Richel; Navales, Mark (April 25, 2017). "Indonesians, Malaysian Among 37 Militants Killed in Philippine Military Strike: Officials". Benar News. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
314. "Indonesian militant killed in Philippines". news.com.au. Australian Associated Press. November 24, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
315. "FBI confirms militant Marwan's death in Philippine raid". BBC News. April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
316. Cassrels, Deborah (November 30, 2015). "Indonesian bomb Ibrahim Ali killed by military in Mindanao". The Weekend Australian. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
317. "Malaysian militant killed in clashes with Philippine army, says report". The Malaysian Insider. Yahoo! News. December 17, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
318. "Philippines military identifies IS-linked militant killed as Indonesian named 'Mohisen'". The Star. January 29, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
319. Jara, Manolo B. (April 25, 2017). "Top policewoman nabbed for ties to Abu Sayyaf". The Gulf Today. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
320. Halim, Haeril (April 26, 2017). "Indonesian militants can 'easily' enter Philippines". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on April 29, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
321. Hincks, Joseph (April 26, 2017). "Indonesia 'Can't Stop' Militants Crossing Into Philippines". Time. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
322. "Malaysian leaders face 'clear and present' terror threat". Today. January 26, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
323. Jacinto, Al (January 27, 2017). "Foreign militants cross Sabah to Mindanao". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on January 27, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
324. "Sabah to cooperate with Indonesia to curb cross-border crime – Musa". Borneo Post. April 17, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
325. Fevrier, Vincent (April 10, 2017). "The Threat of the Islamic State in South-East Asia, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit on the Frontlines in Indonesia". Intelligence Fusion. Archived from the original on September 19, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
326. ^ "Duterte open to talks with Abu Sayyaf terrorists". Manila Standard. Agence France-Presse. November 26, 2016. Archived from the original on November 29, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
327. Jennings, Ralph. "Philippines' Fight Against Muslim Insurgents Is Hitting A New And Sticky Blockade". Forbes. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
328. "Abu Sayyaf can use Duterte statement to claim 'legitimacy'--analyst". ABS-CBN News. November 26, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
329. "Duterte won't risk civilians in Sayyaf war". The Manila Times. Agence France-Presse. November 28, 2016. Archived from the original on November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
330. Pascual Jr., Federico D. (November 29, 2016). "Is Du30 confused, or confusing ASG?". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on November 29, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
331. Fianza, Florencio (December 1, 2016). "Difficult to analyze". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
332. "Duterte to Indonesia, Malaysia: Bomb kidnappers; hostages, too". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Associated Press. December 9, 2016. Archived from the original on December 9, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
333. Esguerra, Darryl John (January 18, 2019). "Duterte: I will never talk peace with Abu Sayyaf". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on January 28, 2019. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
334. Gamil, Jaymee T.; Alipala, Julie. "Duterte orders all-out war on terror groups". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on February 13, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
335. Matsuzawa, Mikas (January 30, 2019). "Military unleashes air strikes on Sulu after Duterte's 'all-out war' order". The Philippine Star. Agence France-Presse. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
336. Recuenco, Aaron. "AFP launches offensive vs ASG". Manila Bulletin News. Archived from the original on January 31, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.

External links

• Most Wanted Terrorists, Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Department of Justice
• Council on Foreign Relations: Abu Sayyaf Group (Philippines, Islamist separatists) Archived February 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
• Reward For Information (on five ASG members), Rewards for Justice Program, US Department of State
• Looking for al-Qaeda in the Philippines
• Balik-Terrorism: The Return of Abu Sayyaf (PDF), Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College
• The bloodstained trail of the Abu Sayyaf, Agence France-Presse

• Philippines

• Abu Sayyaf
• Jihadist groups
• Organizations based in Asia designated as terrorist
• Organized crime groups in the Philippines
• Organisations designated as terrorist by Australia
• Organisations designated as terrorist by Japan
• Salafi jihadists
• Organizations designated as terrorist by Canada
• Organizations designated as terrorist by the Philippines