SECURITY FORCES TAKE OUT TERRORISTS SUSPECTED IN

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 003693 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2017 TAGS: PTER MOPS PINS RP SUBJECT: SECURITY FORCES TAKE OUT TERRORISTS SUSPECTED IN CONGRESSMAN'S MURDER REF: MANILA 3649 (DEATH OF A CONGRESSMAN) Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Paul W. Jones, reasons 1.4 (b) a nd (d). ¶1. (S) Summary: Acting swiftly on information from internal and external sources, Philippine security forces raided an Abu Sayyaf terrorist safe house in Metro Manila November 15 and killed or captured six individuals suspected in the bomb assassination of Congressman and local warlord of the southern Muslim island of Basilan Wahab Akbar and three others at the Philippine House of Representatives on November 13 (reftel). The well-coordinated and rapidly planned raid resulted in the deaths of a senior Abu Sayyaf Group commander and two associates, with three others arrested. Preliminary investigation of items recovered from the safe house indicate a link between the suspected Abu Sayyaf bombers and political rivals of Congressman Akbar on Basilan island. In the midst of the turmoil on Basilan surrounding Akbar's death, his family has called for restraint, while at the same time demanding justice. End Summary. -------------- Quick Action by Philippine Authorities -------------- ¶2. (S) Acting swiftly on information from several sources just 48 hours after controversial Congressman Akbar's assassination, the Philippine National Police and Army Intelligence Services Group raided a safe house in Quezon City November 15. The uncommon but remarkably successful joint police-army operation was the culmination of an intensive manhunt on the part of Philippine authorities. A five-minute firefight erupted when the suspects resisted arrest and resulted in the death of three suspects, including the commander of the Abu Sayyaf Group on Basilan island Alpaker Said, aka Abu Jandal, and two associates, including his wife. One Philippine Special Action Force policeman was wounded, and three other suspects were arrested and are undergoing interrogation. A Philippine government rewards program had offered a 500,000 peso reward for information leading to the capture or killing of Abu Jandal. -------------- Suspects Possible Role in Congress Bombing -------------- ¶3. (C) While Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. said the police still are investigating whether Jandal's group was involved in the bombing at the Congress, evidence at the scene suggested a clear link between the group and the bombing. Bomb-making materials were found in the house, and Philippine police are conducting tests to determine if the chemicals in the materials match those of the explosive device used in the bombing. Other items reported recovered from the safe house, including financial records and identification documents, indicate involvement of the group in the attack and a possible connection with one of Akbar's political rivals on the island of Basilan. -------------- Murky Waters -------------- ¶4. (C) Among the evidence obtained at the site, police investigators reportedly recovered an identification card of one of the arrested suspects, allegedly a former aide of ex-Basilan congressman Gerry Salapuddin. Salapuddin, who lost the recently hard-fought gubernatorial election for Basilan to one of Akbar's wives, has dismissed any speculation of his involvement, saying "savagery is never my way of resolving any issue or problem. I always do it in the legal or lawful way ... there are many people who have an ax to grind against him (Akbar)." Preliminary debriefing of the suspects by Philippine authorities indicates that a staff aide of current Congressman Mujiv Hataman, a Basilan native, may also be involved. -------------- -------------- Akbar Clan Ponders Next Move, Appeals for Restraint -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) The body of slain Congressman Akbar was buried on Basilan November 14 in accordance with Islamic tradition. Hundreds of supporters accompanied the Akbar clan to the burial site to pay their last respects to the controversial and colorful political warlord. According to press reports, MANILA 00003693 002 OF 002 the Akbar clan met November 16 to chart its next move. While appealing for supporters to avoid taking the law into their own hands, Akbar's niece -- Lantawan mayor Tahira Ismael -- has insisted that appropriate and lawful justice be served. -------------- Shock and Condemnation -------------- ¶6. (U) Christian and Muslim politicians and religious leaders throughout the Philippines expressed shock and condemnation of the November 13 bombing. The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy issued an appeal for "sobriety and restraint" over the incident, noting that "no political end or belief system can justify such a dastardly act." -------------- Comment -------------- ¶7. (C) The swift and decisive joint Philippine National Police/Armed Forces operation was a dramatic success reflecting a growing maturity in the approach to internal security. Within 48 hours, military intelligence elements cooperated with tactical law enforcement units to achieve a timely response to information that, had it been delayed, could have resulted in the suspects escaping. Authorities have promised continued cooperation between the police and military in the bombing investigation, another sign of a more sophisticated security apparatus. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/ KENNEY