Setback for Abu Sayyaf, Philippine Navy kills leader

The leader of the Abu Sayyaf gang that held two American missionaries hostage for over a year was killed early on Friday by Philippine Navy SEALS as he tried to escape by boat from Mindanao island, military officials said.

Abu Sabaya, known for his taunting remarks and trademark sunglasses, died in a gunfight on the water after he and six other rebels opened fire on a navy vessel that tried to halt their speedboat, said Col. Juancho Saban, Deputy Commander of the Marines in southern Philippines. ‘‘He tried to fight off government soldiers at sea and he was peppered with bullets,’’ Saban said. ‘‘We are 100 per cent sure that Sabaya is dead. This is a serious setback for the Abu Sayyaf.’’

The Philippine Government has made it a high priority to crush the Abu Sayyaf rebels, believed by the US to have links to the Al Qaeda terrorist group. In Manila, Defense Secretary Gen. Angelo Reyes said four rebels were captured during the battle, but he would not confirm that Sabaya was killed until he had seen the body.

Saban said the navy vessel encountered the rebel speedboat at 4:20 a.m. off Mindanao. The SEALS ordered the boat to halt, and the gang opened fire with automatic weapons.