Philippine troops have shot dead a member of the Abu Sayyaf Muslim group who was allegedly involved in the abduction of three Americans and Filipinos in 2001, a military official said Monday. Abduljaid Awalal was shot dead on Sunday in Basilan after he and two of his companions resisted arrest and fired on a group of soldiers, the Basilan’s military chief, Col. Rey Ferrer, said. He said Awalal’s two companions, both believed to be Abu Sayyaf members, escaped and are being pursued by soldiers. Full Story