Abu Sayyaf ‘chooses new leader’
ICC Note: While the Philippine government has made progress against terrorist group JI, another terrorist group in the country is rebuilding.
6/29/07 Philippines (BBC) – Lieutenant General Romeo Tolentino said Yasser Igasan was chosen to head the militants at a meeting of commanders two or three weeks ago.
However, other military figures say they are still trying to confirm the appointment.
Abu Sayyaf is the smallest of four Muslim rebel groups in the Philippines , with about 400 members.
It is blamed for kidnappings and bombings, including an attack on a ferry in 2004 that killed more than 100 people
The US has listed Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist organisation and says it has links to al-Qaeda.
Former leader Khadaffy Janjalani and senior figure Abu Sulaiman, were killed by Philippine troops in September and January.
The Philippine authorities have been trying to flush Abu Sayyaf rebels from hideouts in Jolo, backed by US military surveillance and other non-combat assistance
