Alleged Philippines Kidnapper Added to FBI Most Wanted Terrorists List

Vida G. Bottom, special agent in charge of the Honolulu office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is seeking the public’s help in providing information leading to the location and arrest of fugitive RADDULAN SAHIRON, who was added to the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list this week.

SAHIRON is wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a United States citizen, who was abducted on November 14, 1993, from his residence at Simbahan, Pangutaran, Sulu, Philippines by members of the Al Harakat Al-Islamiyyah terrorist organization. The victim was transported to the Island of Jolo and held for 23 days before being released on December 7, 1993.

SAHIRON was indicted in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. on February 27, 2007 and was charged with hostage taking and related charges. An arrest warrant was issued at that time, and a worldwide manhunt commenced.

Since 2005, SAHIRON has been the overall leader of the Al Harakat Al-Islamiyyah, also known as the Abu Sayyaf Group. SAHIRON is believed to be commanding this organization from the mountains and dense jungles of Jolo Island, which is located approximately 600 miles south of the Philippine Capital of Manila.

The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program offers rewards for many designated terrorists. The program is currently offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest of SAHIRON. Information on this program can be found at www.rewardsforjustice.net. The FBI wanted poster for SAHIRON can be found at www.fbi.gov.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.