Janjalani is also known as Daf or Pek.
In 1995, Janjalani escaped from Camp Crame in Manila along with a member named Jovenal Bruno.
In December 1998, Khadaffy Janjalani's brother, Abdurajik Abubakar Janjalani died in a firefight with police on Basilan island. Abdujarik Janjalani founded the group and was a veteran of the war against the Soviet Union during the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan.
There was a power struggle before Khadaffy Janjalani took power of a faction of Abu Sayyaf. There was a period of inactivity while Khadaffy Janjalani was taking power. After the process was done, he proceeded to kidnap hostages.
The group became a group of kidnappers that want money as opposed to religious fervor, according to locals in the areas where Abu Sayyaf is located in. The hostage money is probably the method of financing of the group.
The United States is offering a five million United States dollar (250,000,000 Philippine pesos) reward for Janjalani's capture.