Philippine troops killed in clash with Abu Sayyaf rebels

The clash broke out around 6:12 a.m. Friday when the troops spotted more or less 100 Abu Sayyaf bandits while scouring Sitio Makaita, Barangay Bungkaung, Patikul, Sulu. “Seek and destroy the ASG”, Dela Cruz said.

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Tan said those killed included a junior leader who was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipino on the southern resort island of Samal in September.

He added that no government troops had been injured during the latest skirmishes, after 17 were wounded in clashes Friday.

Angered by the beheading of 18-year-old James Almodavar whose his family failed to produce P1 million ransom, President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday night (August 24) last week ordered the military and police forces to hunt down the bandit group and “destroy them”.

Almodovar’s severed head, wrapped in a plastic bag, was recovered in the village of Kadjatan also in Indanan town, but his body was missing.

The estimated 70 militants were led by Abu Sayyaf commander Radulan Sahiron, a one-armed fighter long wanted by Philippine and U.S. authorities for his role in bombings, kidnappings, and other acts, according to regional military commander Major Filemon Tan and police officials.

Ama Maas has been linked to the abduction of several hostages, including Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad.

“My orders to the armed forces and the police, destroy them”.

During a news conference Thursday, Duterte suggested the militants may be continuing to hold Sekkingstad despite being paid a 50 million-peso ransom ($1-million) for his freedom.

The Abu Sayyaf earlier beheaded two Canadians-John Ridsdel, 68, in April and Robert Hall, 50, in June.

“The AFP, together with every sensible and peace loving Filipino, including our Muslim brothers whom we work with in peace and development efforts, condemn this barbaric murder perpetrated by this terror group”, Tan said.