GOVT
LOOKING INTO REPORTS OF LINK-UP BETWEEN ABU SAYYAF, 14-KMANILA, (ABS-CBN) - The law enforcement community is now looking into reports
that the extremist group Abu Sayyaf has established ties with the 14-K Gang, an
international drug ring.
Secretary Orlando Mercado of the Department of National Defense said an
investigation is necessary to determine if such a linkup is true and if drug money is
being used to ship in arms to the Abu Sayyaf.
The defense chief expressed concern that this could put at risk government
soldiers and policemen, if the drug ring engages in the sale of arms and ammunition to the
MILF. "It should be looked into. It is a very important piece of information, it can
be considered a critical lead," Mercado said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy for operations Director Jewel
Canson said intelligence reports reaching him indicate the use of methamphetamine
hydrochloride (shabu) in many parts of Mindanao.
Even Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan was prompted to set up a drug rehabilitation
center in the province, he said.
The military also reported that fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) based in Camp Abubakar could have been using illegal drugs.
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