Philippines: RP Marines rescue kidnapped children from al-Qaeda group

A reminder that "al-Qaeda groups" will go to any lengths, no matter how despicable, to seize power: "RP Marines rescue 2 children seized by Muslim militants," from GMA News, September 21:

MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine military official says marines safely rescued after a brief gunbattle two children who were kidnapped last week by Muslim militants linked to the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group in the southern.

Marines captured two alleged kidnappers during Sunday's pre-dawn rescue of the two boys in a remote village in mountainous Patikul township on southern Jolo island. Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo says the alleged kidnap leader, Hajal Hatae, a former Abu Sayyaf member, managed to escape and is being hunted by marines.

The Abu Sayyaf, believed to have more than 300 gunmen, has been battered by U.S.-backed Philippine military offensives in Jolo and nearby islands and has resorted to kidnappings for ransom and extortion to survive. - AP