Key Players
Aldam Tilao (aka
Abu Sabaya)
Figurehead of the Islamic rebel group Abu Sayyaf
Col. Juancho Sabban
Deputy commander of southern operations for the Philippine marine corps
Martin and Gracia Burnham
American missionary couple taken hostage at a Philippine resort in May 2001
Alvin Siglos
Childhood friend of Tilao's who helped the authorities track him down
Capt. Gieram Aragones
Intelligence officer leading the hunt for Abu Sayyaf
Arlyn dela Cruz
Philippine journalist with exclusive access to Abu Sayyaf during the hostage chase
Video clips related to this story:
• Reporter Arlyn dela Cruz on beheading
• Colonel Juancho Sabban on Philippine intelligence
• Alvin Siglos on his high school days with Tilao
• Captain Gieram Aragones on distrusting Siglos
• Dela Cruz on her first meeting with Tilao
• Dela Cruz on her meeting with the Burnhams
• Aragones on his relationship with the CIA
• Aragones on his vow not to shave or cut his hair
• CIA surveillance footage of the endgame
• Sabban on on the significance of Tilao's death