MANILA, Philippines — The Pasig City Regional Trial Court has convicted 66 leaders and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) for the abduction of 52 people, mostly teachers and students in Basilan in 2000. The court said 29 of the accused are guilty of 52 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Meanwhile, 10 Sayyaf men accused were found guilty of 41 counts of serious illegal detention while 12 were convicted for 18 counts. Three of the accused were found guilty of 11 counts and 11 were found guilty of seven counts of the same offense. Abu Sayyaf leaders Khadaffy Janjalani, Abu Sabaya, and Isnilon Hapilon were among those originally charged.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 14, 2018 09:56 UTC