Filipino police have ended the standoff with Islamic militants at a jail in Manila:
Police said they regained control of the prison building about an hour after starting the assault. Troops outside fired tear gas as teams of police commandos scaled the walls of the four-story detention centre and overpowered the militants.
At least three leaders of the Abu Sayyaf rebel group accused of involvement in high-profile kidnappings of foreigners were among those killed in the assault, police said.
Television reports said 300 policemen had stormed the building, where more than 400 prisoners, including 129 suspected Islamic militants, were detained.
Police say a core group of 10 suspected Abu Sayyaf members had been holding out since killing three guards in an escape attempt on Monday.
Talks with the group broke down late on Monday.
Several loud blasts and gunfire were heard around the police detention centre in a Manila suburb shortly after an ultimatum issued by Reyes to the militants expired.
Tear gas still shrouded the building as television showed hundreds of prisoners milling around on the top floor.
Reyes said Alhamser Limbong, alias "Kosovo", Ghalib Andang, alias "Commander Robot", and Najdmi Sabdula, alias "Commander Global", were among the Abu Sayyaf leaders killed.
I realize that the Abu Sayyaf are a ruthless and dangerous terrorist group with ties to Al Qaeda, but "Commander Robot" doesn't exactly strike fear in the heart, does it? It sounds like something an eight year old playing Transformers would make up. "I am Commander Robot. Your weapons are useless against me." Yeah, sure you are junior. Now get upstairs. It's time for your bath.
For much more on the prison standoff and what it says about the ability of the Philippines to fight terrorism, be sure to check out the Belmont Club.
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