Search for the Body of Abusayyaf - 2002-06-22

Philippine Navy divers are searching in the waters off the island of Mindanao for the body of a senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf rebels, who was reported killed in a gunfight with Philippine forces on Friday. Army officials say that Abusayyaf was hit by several bullets and drowned after jumping into the sea to escape. Philippine special forces, using American communication and tracking equipment, were able to locate this rebel leader. The United States states that the Abu Sayyaf group is linked to the Al-Qaeda network. Abusayyaf is said to be responsible for the kidnapping of an American Christian missionary couple last year. Two weeks ago, Philippine government forces rescued the American woman, but her husband and a Filipino nurse who were among the hostages were killed during the gunfire. The Abu Sayyaf group claims that its war against the Philippine government is to establish an Islamic state in the southern part of the country. The majority of Filipinos follow the Catholic Church. This organization often finances its terrorist operations through kidnapping, extortion, and other violent methods.