US hails RP for death of Khadaffy Janjalani

The United States government on Saturday hailed the Philippine government on confirmation that al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani has been killed.

"This is a major step forward in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines and in the global war on terror," US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristy Kenney said in a press statement.

The ambassador said the death of Khaddafy Janjalani is an important and positive step forward in the ultimate goal of eliminating the ruthless and dangerous Abu Sayyaf Group, and in destroying its links with international terrorist groups such as the Jemaah Islamiya.

She said the U.S. will continue to work with partners in the Philippines' military, law enforcement, and national and local governments to bring terrorists to justice and to build peace and prosperity in Mindanao and throughout the Philippines.

Janjalani's remains found on the island of Jolo in Sulu province in December 2006 have been proven by forensic and DNA tests conducted in the Philippines and the United States to be those of the terrorist leader.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Hermogenes Esperon said the FBI test, witnessed by three police officers from PNP crime laboratory states that the cadaver recovered last Dec.27, 2006 was that of Janjalani.

"The DNA test results were conclusive. It compared samples taken from the recovered corpse and that of Khadaffy's older brother Hector Janjalani, who is detained in Camp Bagong Diwa Bicutan, Taguig," Esperon told a news conference on Friday in the military's Camp Aguinaldo.

Janjalani has been pursued by the Philippines and the United States for his involvement in several terrorist attacks, kidnappings and murders.

The Abu Sayyaf Group is designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist group, and has been responsible for numerous terrorist bombings, murders and kidnappings, including the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnapping incident that resulted in the deaths of two American citizens.

A reward of up to $5 million has been offered by the U.S. Government for information leading to the capture or elimination of Khaddafy Janjalani and other ASG key leaders.

"The U.S. will work with Philippine authorities to determine payment of this reward," Kenney said.

Earlier, authorities confirmed the death of another Abu Sayyaf ranking leader Jainal Antel Sali Jr., alias Abu Solaiman, in a clash with government troops in Patikul, Sulu. The military considered Sali as more dangerous than Janjalani. (HG)