WestMinCom chief Vinluan says Abu Sayyaf leader Indama already dead

Furuji Indama, the Abu Sayyaf group leader operating in Basilan, is already dead, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said Friday.

In a phone interview with GMA News Online, Vinluan said the family of Indama already knew about his death.

"Siyempre monitoring kami sa family niya... alam na rin ng family niya na patay na siya talaga," Vinluan said.

"Pero patay na siya talaga, siyempre 100% na patay na pag nandoon 'yung body niya..." he added.

Vinluan said the military continues to look for Indama's body.

"Wala pa 'yung body, pinapahanap namin ngayon, nagbibigay kami ng reward, mga ganon..." Vinluan said.

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana also confirmed to GMA News Online the death of Indama.

The WestMinCom earlier said Indama was severely wounded during an encounter in RT Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay on September 9. 

The military had pointed to Indama as the one behind the van explosion that killed at least ten individuals in Lamitan town in 2018.

The Basilan-based leader, who was facing murder and kidnapping charges, was reportedly involved in the attack on Golden Harvest Plantation in 2001 as well as the Dos Palmas kidnapping in the same year.

He was described as a "high-value target" as he was the "No. 2 man" of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon. — RSJ, GMA News