The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Monday it has secured the conviction of 17 leaders and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who were responsible for kidnapping 21 individuals from Malaysia and holding them hostage in Sulu province.
In April 2000, members of the notorious ASG abducted individuals of different nationalities at gunpoint from a resort in Sipadan Island, Malaysia.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized that this conviction reflects the agency’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law without fear or falter.
He commended Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Hazel Decena-Valdez for her perseverance and hard work, which led to the successful conviction of these notorious terrorists.
“Your devotion, courage, and relentless efforts to pursue justice by all means are truly astonishing. Thank you for being a testament that justice will never be denied, regardless of who or how strong the enemy may seem,” Remulla told Decena-Valdez.
The DOJ chief also acknowledged the cooperation and support of various agencies, including the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine Army (AFP-PA), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), as well as the government of the United States of America.
In a 157-page decision rendered by Judge Mariam Bien of the Taguig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 153 on October 16, 2024, all 17 accused were found guilty on 21 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom. Each was sentenced to reclusion perpetua for each count.
Among those kidnapped were 10 foreign tourists visiting the remote diving resort. The group included three Germans, two Finns, two South Africans, one Lebanese, two French nationals, along with nine Malaysians and two Filipinos who were resort workers.
The victims were taken by boat to Talipao, Sulu, and held captive in the hinterlands of Jolo, Sulu.
Over several months, hostages were released after ransom payments were made to the kidnappers, who extorted money from both the hostages’ families and the government.
Top ASG leaders Galib Andang a.k.a. “Commander Robot” and Nadjmi Sabdulla a.k.a. “Commander Global,” perished during an attempted jailbreak at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City in 2005, an event also known as the Bicutan Siege.
