|
|
Article: Abu Sayyaf
- Article from:
- Southeast Asian Affairs
- Article date:
- January 1, 2001
CopyrightCopyright Institute of Southeast Asian Studies 2001. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
While the offensive against the MILF was in progress, another Muslim group, the Abu Sayyaf, attracted publicity following hostage-taking incidents in March-April 2000.
The Abu Sayyaf first attracted notice in 1991 following several bombings, kidnappings, and other incidents around Zamboanga City. Its leader, Abdurajak Janjalani, had been a member of the MNLF but was an outspoken critic of Misuari's leadership. In 1986, Janjalani was sent to Libya to undertake religious training. Returning five years later, to Basilan, he became a charismatic preacher and an advocate of an Islamic state in Mindanao, with a small but committed following including young MNLF supporters, some of whom were said ...