 Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group who turned state witnesses said they were trained by Palestinian Fawaz Zi Aijur. He was arrested by authorities for not having a visa as he entered the southern Philippine airport on March 26, a source said When shown photos of Aijur, 39, the two former Abu Sayyaf members said that the foreigner was one of the six trainers who worked with the Abu Sayyaf Group in 2000. He was the one who told Abu Sayyaf leaders to continue their hostage taking activities, to embarrass the government and at the same time gain attention worldwide, the two Abu former bandits said. Sources said the state witnesses who identified Aijur's links in the southern Philippines were Angelo Trinidad, also known as Abu Khalil, and Gappah Balih Bannah, alias Boy Negro.
| "Don't even call me 'boy'!" |
The former Abu Sayyaf members admitted their participation in the bombing of a bus in Makati City on Valentine's Day this year. "Their testimonies could be used against the arrested Palestinian national," said Southern Command chief Lieutenant General Alberto Braganza. |