Usman still in Maguindanao –military

The military on Tuesday belied reports that Filipino bomb-maker Abdul Basit Usman was able to escape the all-out offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and even leave the country.

At a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Usman remains within the “SPMS box,” or Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak towns in Maguindanao.

“We received misinformation, but he is still in the area, Usman is still being monitored inside the SPMS box, doon siya gumagalaw,” he said.

Reports that Usman has left the country surfaced after suspected terrorist Mohamad Ali Tambako, former vice chairman of the BIFF, and five others were arrested Sunday night in General Santos City.

Tambako was said to have been coddling Usman and five other foreign terrorists, who are trained in bomb-making and other terrorist activities.

117 rebels killed

Meanwhile, asked the condition of Usman, Cabunoc said: "Wala tayong ulat kung wounded siya nitong serye ng all-out offensives."

He, however, noted that three of Usman's relatives were among the 117 rebels killed in the military offensive. These relatives were said to be protecting the rebel leader.

The assault was launched following the BIFF's involvement in killing of 44 elite policemen during the January 25 police operation in Mamasapano to arrest Usman and alleged Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

The offensive is being conducted within the SPMS box. —KBK, GMA News