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WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) responds to the announcement by the Department of Justice indicting five alleged leaders of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group for the kidnapping binge that led to the death of Americans Martin Burnham and Guillermo Sobero and several others in the Philippines.

"I strongly support the decision by the Justice Department to indict these five terrorists who delivered death and torture to innocent Americans and Filipinos over the past several years," said Tiahrt. "Those who perpetrated the barbaric acts of terror against U.S. citizens deserve to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

"The death of Martin Burnham was the most recent act of violence brought about by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group who have terrorized citizens and visitors in the Philippines. I urge the Justice Department to swiftly bring justice to all involved in the injury and death of American citizens."

Deputy Attorney General Larry D. Thompson announced the return of an indictment against five leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group Tuesday afternoon. This indictment updates the previous indictment by adding Martin Burnham and Ediborah Yap to the list of those dead as a result of the multiple accounts of kidnaping and torture by the Abu Sayyaf group.

The five leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group named in the indictment are Khadafi Abubakar Janjalani, Isnilon Totoni Hapilon, Aldam Tilao, Jainal Antel Sali, Jr., and Hamsiraji Marusi Sali.

A reward of up to $5 million is being offered by the United States for information leading to the arrest and conviction of each of the five terrorists.

07.23.2002
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