Philippine Troops Deal Major Blow To Abu Sayyaf
Civilian Tip Prompts Capture Of Senior Leader Of Terror Group

POSTED: 7:33 a.m. EST December 8, 2003
UPDATED: 7:41 a.m. EST December 8, 2003

MANILA, Philippines -- Officials in the Philippines say they've dealt a heavy blow to an al-Qaida-linked terrorist group that has a history of kidnapping westerners.

A civilian tip allowed troops to capture a militant known as Commander Robot -- a senior leader in the Abu Sayyaf rebel group.

Officials say the senior rebel commander was wounded in both legs during a gunfight with Filipino troops. His wounds are described as serious, but it's not yet clear if he'll need an amputation. Officials say the capture will lead to valuable intelligence in the search for other operatives.

Filipino leaders say they'll allow the notorious Commander Robot to stand trial in any nation that seeks his extradition -- but only after he faces charges and a possible death penalty in the Philippines.

In 2001, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped three Americans and 17 Filipinos. One of the Americans was beheaded and another died during a military operation that led to the rescue of the third, Gracia Burnham of Kansas City.

The kidnapping spree prompted the United States to send more than 1,000 soldiers for a counterterrorism exercise that helped Filipino troops dislodge the group from Basilan island.