Abu Sayyaf now internet savy

JOLO, SULU, Philippines – The Abu Sayyaf has shifted its tactics from mere frontal media propaganda to internet-based media release, a military intelligence operative here observed.

“Gumagamit na sila ng MP4 video at dinadaan sa internet,” (The Abu Sayyaf are using Mp4 videos and use internet) in disseminating their propaganda, the source who requested anonymity due to sensitivity of information said.

The source claimed, the video that circulated in the Philippine media where the three ICRC volunteers – Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, was filmed using an MP4 device was disseminated using as “an email attachment” sent to media personalities.

The 3rd Marine Brigade confirmed, the Abu Sayyaf together with at least 4 Jemaah Islamiya (JI) “advisers” is closing in to where there are cellular phone signal.

The Task Force ICRC in Sulu has shut off cellular communication sites in the general area of Indanan and Parang, all in Sulu island.

“There are areas there where you can get signal,” despite shutting off the cellular sites in Indanan and Parang, said 3rd Marine Brigade Commander Col. Eugene Clemen.

Clemen brushed off the information regarding the Abu Sayyaf’s shift of propaganda medium. However, he said, there are JI operatives who are with the Abu Sayyaf that are more advanced than the home grown terrorists.

Of the four JI operatives, the military informants has identified, two are identified by their guerilla “first names”.

These JIs are involved in bomb making, strategy and tactics, communications and at times in some decision makings. “They are teachers and advisers,” of the Abu Sayyaf, Clemen said.

The Marine brigade however, declined to give the names of other JI operatives except that of the Singaporean Indian looking Muawiya.

Sources also claimed, Muawiya’s right hand, a young energetic teacher was seen in the last video of the Abu Sayyaf where the group presented the three hostages.

“Yung nasa kanang bahagi ng screen, na kalbo at binansag na si Parad ng media ay JI hindi si Parad,” (The one at the right side of the screen, the bald person whom the media said was Parad was a JI and not Parad) the source said.

The source declined to make public the name of the said JI, but said he was the one “bringing a laptop” in the group.