| HK TRIAD
"MAY HAVE LINKS WITH ABU SAYYAF" MANILA -- Philippine Defence
Secretary Orlando Mercado yesterday called for an investigation into reports that the
Hongkong based 14-K triad group had established links with Muslim extremists, including
the Abu Sayyaf holding 39 hostages.
""It should be looked
into,'' Mr Mercado said in an interview on television, adding ""it can be
considered a critical lead''.
He was referring to a report in
the Philippine Daily Inquirer claiming that the 14-K had established links with the Abu
Sayyaf and were helping them obtain a ransom for foreign and local hostages being held in
captivity in Jolo island.
The Inquirer quoted unnamed
informants as saying the 14-K were landing illegal drugs in areas held by the Abu Sayyaf
and providing them with firearms in return for assistance on the triad's drug-trafficking
operations.
However, Philippine deputy
police chief Jewel Canson said this was only ""speculative information''. Mr
Canson said some Abu Sayyaf members were known drug users adding that abuse of a banned
local drug ""shabu'' was common in Jolo, where the rebels are based.--AFP,
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Asia News Network.
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