Peace talks in Manila

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 13): Peace talks in Manila

For the first time in 32 years of efforts to forge peace between the Philippine Government (GRP) and the Communist movement, formal negotiations will be held on April 20 on Philippine soil.




Negotiators from the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front hold discussions during their fourth round of peace talks at the Radisson Blu Palace Hotel in Noordwijk, The Netherlands Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Raffy Tima, GMA 7 | Manila Bulletin File Photo)

Discussions on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms, or Caser – said to be the “heart and soul of the ongoing peace talks between the GRP and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF),” will be staged either at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) or at a venue to be provided by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who is himself, a member of the GRP team of Caser.

The representatives of the GRP and NDF will be discussing, under a realm of formal peace negotiations, matters on genuine land reform, rural development, national industrialization and foreign policy.

Whatever they agree on would eventually be tackled and approved in the Fifth Round of the talks, which return to Noorwicjk, The Netherlands in late May or early June.

“But definitely, this will happen,” GRP Caser group chairman Roberto Dator said.

The CPP and New People’s Army (NPA) were formed in 1968, and since then, attempts to forge peace between the Philippine government and the Communist group have taken place in the administration of five Philippines presidents – from Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Joseph Estrada and Benigno Aquino III.

Under Duterte, the talks have progressed beyond the more than 40 rounds undertaken by peace panels under his predecessors.

That talks on the Caser have come this far, and that they will be held in Manila, will prove to be a big deal among those who have faithfully followed the talks between these two parties for decades.

And to shore up support for the Caser negotiations, GRP peace panel member officer-in-charge Hernani Braganza said they were adopting a theme that will raise awareness among the public about the issues being discussed in the peace talks.

“We want to carry the theme, ‘Okay ka, CaSer!’ We will print it on t-shirts, fliers and tarpaulin posters, because this is an issue that we want everybody to get involved in. The earlier that we achieve peace, the farther we reach about our intentions, the better,” Braganza said.

And it is not only the negotiations on Caser that will transpire in Manila, the more contentious issues regarding an interim joint ceasefire will also be taken up in the next few weeks in a still undisclosed place in the metropolis.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/13/peace-talks-in-manila/

Suspected NPA rebels set fire to cargo truck in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 13): Suspected NPA rebels set fire to cargo truck in North Cotabato

Another cargo truck was set ablaze by suspected New People’s Army rebels in a remote village in North Cotabato on Tuesday, police said Wednesday.

A cargo truck owned by a banana businessman from Magsaysay, Davao del Sur was to fetch agricultural products in Tulunan town when about 10 gunmen, who introduced themselves as communist rebels, flagged down the vehicle at 10 a.m. in Barangay Macmod.

Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police director, told reporters the driver told investigators that he was directed to alight.

As soon as the driver left the truck, the suspects poured gasoline and set it ablaze.

Peralta said the suspects belonged to the NPA’s Front 72 which has been mulcting the banana trader from Magsaysay. Apparently, the trader ignored the demand.

It was the third arson attack by communist rebels in North Cotabato this year. Last month, communist rebels torched a unit of Yellow Bus Line in Makilala, North Cotabato.

Last week, the rebels set on fire a container van loaded with banana’s for export in Sitio Flortam, Barangay Batasan, also in Makilala town.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/888966/suspected-npa-rebels-set-fire-to-cargo-truck-in-north-cotabato

Senior Abu Sayyaf leader bares plan to surrender

From the Philippine Star (Apr 13): Senior Abu Sayyaf leader bares plan to surrender

This undated photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, people stand by boats which the military said were used by Abu Sayyaf militants to enter the Ibananga River in Bohol province, central Philippines, as government troopers continue clearing operations Wednesday, April 12, 2017. 3rd ID, Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP

 

The most senior Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf leader is wishing to surrender, according to security official on  Thursday.

 

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said Radullan Sahiron wants to turn himself in to authorities because "he is already old."

 

Sahiron, a one-armed bandit leader, is known as the most senior Abu Sayyaf leader based in Sulu and wanted by the US Department of Justice for a bounty of $1 million.

 

Galvez said the surrender plan of Sahiron was relayed by elderly Muslim leaders from Sulu following relentless military offensives.

 

Sahiron, however, has reportedly set conditions for his surrender, which includes remaining under Philippine authorities' custody.

 

"Sahiron wants to surrender provided he will not be turned over to the US or other countries," Galvez said.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/04/13/1690508/senior-abu-sayyaf-leader-bares-plan-surrender

Abu Sayyaf running out of money- military chief

From ABS-CBN (Apr 12): Abu Sayyaf running out of money- military chief

The terrorist Abu Sayyaf group is going low on funds as relatives of their kidnap victims have refused to give in to their ransom demands, Armed Forces chief of staff Eduardo Año said Wednesday.

"They are in dire need of money. That is why they will always plan and attempt to kidnap," Año said in a press conference.

Intelligence reports showed that the 11 Abu Sayyaf members who ventured to Inabanga, Bohol Tuesday were supposed to carry out a "plan for kidnapping," Año said.


"If you look at the past kidnappings, they happened during Easter Sunday or during the Holy Week... You cannot stop these people from planning or continue attempting. Iba ang pag iisip nila."

But the military chief assured the public that government forces are on a mission to "destroy" the bandits "in their bases before they can hatch their plans."

"Kahit na mag-attempt sila ng attempt, we will continue to deny," he said.

Año said 11 notorious members of the Abu Sayyaf, including 2 sub-leaders, surrendered to the the government in Sangga-sangga, Tawi-Tawi Tuesday, while another Abu Sayyaf wing from Basilan yielded last week.

"Hopefully, other Abu Sayyaf members will have a clearer mind and surrender to authorities," Año said.

"We expect to see more in the coming days... We are working very silently but very effectively," he added.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/12/17/abu-sayyaf-running-out-of-money-military-chief

TIMELINE: Abu Sayyaf in Bohol

From ABS-CBN (Apr 12): TIMELINE: Abu Sayyaf in Bohol



April 6 to 7: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitors a group of Abu Sayyaf in Indanan, Sulu. The group leaves Sulu bound for central Visayas, prompting the AFP to alert its intelligence community nationwide.

April 9: The US Embassy warns its citizens against traveling to central Visayas, including Cebu and Bohol, over "unsubstantiated yet credible" reports of kidnapping threats.


April 10: The AFP receives reports of the presence of 3 pump boats, with around 11 heavily armed men, in Inabanga, Bohol.

Residents first spot the armed men Monday morning entering Inabanga River and going to Barangay Napo in the town of Inabanga.

The police also receive reports that the bandits "could have been Muslims" since they were aboard boats only used in Mindanao.

The AFP would later disclose that the group was supposed to carry out "a plan for kidnapping."

Had they been successful, the Abu Sayyaf incursion in Bohol, a major tourist destination, would been the first in the area in years.

April 11: A firefight between joint military and police forces and the Abu Sayyaf starts at around 5 a.m.
WATCH: Bohol clash captured on cam

A policeman and three soldiers are killed. The bodies of five armed men are recovered (as of 2 p.m., April 11).

At least 700 individuals in Inabanga leave their homes due to the firefight.

More countries issue travel advisories following reports of the clash.

The United Kingdom urges its citizens to be "especially vigilant" in traveling to Central Visayas, citing the United States' warning of terror activity in the region.

The Australian government also advises its people against traveling to Central Visayas and Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Sulu Archipelago and southern Sulu Sea.

The Canadian government, likewise, issues a travel warning urging its citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution" when going to the Philippines and "avoid all travel" to Mindanao and the southern Sulu Sea.

New Zealand classifies traveling to central and western Mindanao as an "extreme risk" to its citizens' security.

April 12: AFP confirms the death of Abu Sayyaf leader Muamar Askali, alias Abu Rami.

Capt. Jojo Mascariñas, spokesperson of the Army's 302nd Brigade, identifies the government's casualties as:

- 2nd Lieutenant Espelito Saldua, Jr.;
- Corporal Meljun Cajaban ;
- Sergeant John Dexter Duero;
- PO2 Rey Anthony Nazareno.

As of posting, government troops are still tracking 5 Abu Sayyaf members who survived the firefight.

The AFP says the remaining bandits fled after an overnight siege near a remote village, where helicopter gunships were used against them. The bandits' local contact also fled the community.

The French Embassy in Manila also releases a travel advisory, citing “credible reports of threats of kidnapping by terrorist groups in the Central Visayas, particularly in Cebu and Bohol.”

AFP Spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla says they received information over the past few weeks about a potential activity from lawless elements to disturb the peace in central Visayas.

Sources: AFP press conference, ABS-CBN News field reports, Agence France-Presse, Reuters

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/12/17/timeline-abu-sayyaf-in-bohol

Suspected Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Zamboanga City

From ABS-CBN (Apr 12): Suspected Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Zamboanga City

Authorities on Wednesday arrested a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf group in Barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City, seizing explosives and drugs in his possession.

Authorities identified the suspect as Abdu Sahibul, a known member of the Abu Sayyaf operating in Sulu.

The arrest happened just as authorities foiled the group's purported kidnap plan in Bohol, which led to a firefight Tuesday. The clashes left four government troops and six bandits dead.

READ: Bohol 'back to normal' after Abu Sayyaf attack - officials

Senior Supt. Luisito Magnaye, Zamboanga City Police director, said two fragmentation grenades were recovered inside Sahibul's house.

Also recovered were six big sachets of suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Composite units of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) served two search warrants against Sahibul.

Magnaye said they received information that Sahibul has been hiding explosives in his house.

There were also reports that Sahibul has been involved in the illegal drug trade in the area of Talon-talon and nearby villages.

Sahibul was also involved in the foiled kidnapping of a doctor in October 2015, also in Barangay Talon-talon.

The confiscated grenades were turned over to the explosives ordnance division of the PNP, while the confiscated illegal drugs were handed over to the PDA for filing of criminal charges against Sahibul.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/12/17/suspected-abu-sayyaf-member-nabbed-in-zamboanga-city

11 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Tawi-Tawi

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 12): 11 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Tawi-Tawi

Abu Sayyaf (Manila Bulletin)

Two notorious sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and nine of their followers have surrendered to the military in Tawi-Tawi, officials said.

In statement released on Wednesday, Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the bandits yielded voluntarily to the troops of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi at the Marine Barracks Domingo Deluana in Barangay Sanga-Sanga, Bongao town at around 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The Westmincom credited the surrender of the bandits to the ongoing military operation in Tawi-Tawi.

The military continues to put pressure on the Abu Sayyaf as Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año left a marching order to suppress the ASG within the time frame provided by the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, which is on June 30.

The Westmincom identified the Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders who surrendered as Berong Sariol alias Boy Master and Ben Saudi Dambong Sariol alias Boy Pangit.

Petinglay said the siblings Berong and Ben acted as the leaders of separate Abu Sayyaf groups active in kidnap-for-ransom activities in Tawi-Tawi and in neighboring Malaysia.

The other nine ASG members who surrendered are also relatives of the siblings. They are Jasim Dambong alias Dams, Mujil Dambong, Magelan Langal, Kael Sariol, Nurhamin Sariol, Alhan Sariol, Amnisain Sariol, Akmad Sariol and Benasil Sariol.

The Westmincom said those who surrendered are all residents of Sitio Gigipan, Barangay Baldatal, Sapa-Sapa in Tawi-Tawi.

Seven firearms consisting of an M-16 Armalite rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher, one M-14 rifle, one M-79 rifle, and four caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle were turned over to the military.

“The surrendered Abu Sayyaf members will be turned over to the Tawi-Tawi police for the proper legal procedures,” Petinglay said.

According to the military, the Sariol group was tagged in the murder of Father Jesus Reynaldo A. Roda of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in Tawi-Tawi in 2008 as well as in other kidnapping activities in the province.

The military also linked the Sariol group to the “Muktadil brothers,” who are notorious in kidnap-for-ransom and extortion activities. The siblings Nikson and Brown Mukdatil were killed by soldiers when they tried to escape after their capture in Sulu last year.

“Your armed forces remain committed in sustaining the internal security in Mindanao with the all-out offensives being launched by the joint task forces of the Western Mindanao Command,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said.

Galvez said that a total of 16 Abu Sayyaf members have surrendered lately to the government.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/12/11-abu-sayyaf-bandits-surrender-in-tawi-tawi/

Clearing ops vs ASG enclave in Bohol ongoing, reinforcements now on ground

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): Clearing ops vs ASG enclave in Bohol ongoing, reinforcements now on ground

Government security forces are still conducting clearing operations in Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga town, Bohol where an estimated 60 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have landed Monday night.

This was said by 3rd Infantry Division public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana in a message to the PNA Wednesday.

"Clearing operations are still ongoing. The body count is still the same, five ASG dead, three soldiers and one police officer killed," he added.

And when asked what is keeping government forces from completely overrunning the ASG enclave, Rosana said the area is heavily "forested" making it difficult for troops to spot their targets.

As this develops, units from the Light Reaction Regiment, troopers from 83rd Special Action Company and Naval Special Operation Group arrived in Tagbilaran Airport to augment security personnel conducting clearing operations against the ASG.

They were aboard a Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane with tail number 4704 which flew from Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

These specialized troops arrived around 4:30 p.m. Around five ASG bandits, three soldiers and one police officer were killed in the 7 a.m. clash with the bandits who were earlier spotted aboard three pumpboats entering the riverside in Sitio Ilaya Monday night.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979702

DSWD extends aid to conflict-affected families in Mati, Davao Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): DSWD extends aid to conflict-affected families in Mati, Davao Oriental

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided PHP310,393 worth of assistance to 1,236 families, consisting of 6,180 persons from four barangays, who were displaced by the armed conflict in Mati, Davao Oriental.

In a DSWD armed conflict disaster response update issued Wednesday, the department noted that most of the families have begun returning to their homes Tuesday evening after the military announced that it was already safe for the evacuees to go back to their areas.

Some 213 families from Barangay Don Salvador Lopez have however opted to remain in the evacuation center for fear of another encounter.

Since March 30, several encounters between government forces and members of the New People's Army have forced residents of the villages of Tagbinonga, Buso, Don Martin Marundan and Don Salvador Lopez in Mati to flee to safety.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979830

DSWD aids families affected by operations vs Abu Sayyaf in Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): DSWD aids families affected by operations vs Abu Sayyaf in Bohol

The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) office in Central Visayas has extended initial assistance to the 593 families displaced by the ongoing military-police operation against alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Inabanga, Bohol.

In a news release issued Wednesday, the department reported that some 150 family food packs (FFP) have been distributed to the affected families, and another 100 packs will be delivered to Bohol's provincial social welfare office.

The DSWD also said it has 11,000 FFPs in its warehouse in the province, while repacking of goods is ongoing at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) and regional office.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979819

(Update) ASG death toll in Bohol clash now at 6 -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): (Update) ASG death toll in Bohol clash now at 6 -- AFP

The number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits killed in the ongoing clearing operations in Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga town, Bohol has now climbed to six.

This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a message Wednesday.

"Clearing and mopping up operations are still ongoing. As of 1:30 a.m. one more bandit was neutralized bringing to six (the number of) enemy killed and accounted for. Government casualties remain at three soldiers (one junior officer and two enlisted personnel) and one policeman. We also have one wounded," he added.

An estimated 60 ASG bandits are believed to be holed up in the above-mentioned area.

The military has cordoned the area after it received reports from civilians on the sighting of three suspicious looking pumpboats entering the locality Monday night.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979710

ASG leader Abu Rahmi among 6 bandits killed in Bohol ops -- AFP chief Año

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): ASG leader Abu Rahmi among 6 bandits killed in Bohol ops -- AFP chief Año

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Wednesday confirmed that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Abu Rami was one of the six bandits killed in the encounter with government troops in Inabanga town, Bohol.

"Yes, Abu Rahmi is among those Abu Sayyaf killed in Bohol operation, six killed among the enemies, our troops recovered another body on the site of encounter," he added.

In the same encounter, three soldiers and a police officer were also killed.

With this development, the AFP chief said the ASG must think twice of challenging government security forces and trying to sow terror, the AFP chief stressed.

"I recognized the heroism of our soldiers, for doing the ultimate sacrifice as fastest as possible, I also acknowledge the help of the citizens who reported to authorities the presence of the armed men," Año added.

The AFP chief also called the ASG leader's death a major blow to the bandit organization.

"It’s a major blow , Abu Rahmi participated in Samal kidnapping and also on the Canadians I can declare that the threat is over successfully after the siege in Barangay Napo, Inabanga, Bohol although we are still pursuing some of the remnants of the groups, our assault them continues to scour the area," Año said.

The Bohol encounter erupted after civilians reported sighting three suspicious looking pumpboats, carrying heavily-armed men, entering the Sitio Ilaya riverside Monday night.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979753

(Update) AFP chief assures identity of slain ASG sub leader 'Abu Rami'

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): (Update) AFP chief assures identity of slain ASG sub leader 'Abu Rami'

The military is very positive that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader Muamar Askali alias "Abu Rami" was among the six bandits killed during clash with government security forces in Inabanga, Bohol Tuesday morning.

This was after the picture of the slain bandit matched "99 percent" with existing file photos of the ASG leader, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año in press conference Wednesday.

"First, we have sources inside that initially told us that Abu Rami was among those killed during the encounter. Secondly, we compared the picture of Abu Rami and the picture of the slain Abu Sayyaf there in Inabanga and they resembled almost 99 percent," he added.

The slain bandit's identity was further confirmed when the ASG members, in government custody, positively identified former as Askali, who is also serving as the group's spokesperson.

"Abu Rami" is believed to one of the planners of the Samal Island raid which resulted in the kidnapping of Canadians John Ridsel, Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstand and Filipina Marites Flor last Sept. 21, 2015.

Both Canadians were beheaded while Sekkingstand and Flor were later released by their ASG captors.

Askali was also behind the kidnapping and beheading of German Jurgen Kantner and murder of his partner Sabine Mertz in November last year.

Año said that in both instances, the ASG leader was present in the beheading.

With this development, Año is very confident that a crippling blow has been dealt to the lawless group.

"We have successfully thwarted an attempt to destroy the peace and security of one of our provinces with the combined determination of our AFP and your PNP (Philippine National Police), as well as the full cooperation of our citizenry and our local government units in Bohol. May this be a fine example of 'Bayanihan' in the true sense of the word and the strengthening of our commitment as a nation to work together against those who contemplate on hurting our people and communities," he added.

The AFP chief said they are now conducting pursuit operations against the remaining five members of Akali's group and their "Balik Islam" contact in Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga town.

Motive of the group in making their Bohol landing seemed to be the abduction of tourists now to be frequenting the province.

"Their motive is aimed at kidnapping tourists rather than conducting any terror activities," Año said.

He added that they are well aware of the bandits' activities as they were detected in Indanan, Sulu last April 6 and 7 before making their departure for Bohol.

Their arrival aboard three pump boats in Inabangan, Bohol last April 10 was detected, thanks to the reports of civilians in the area, the AFP chief stated.

This prompted government security forces in the area to deploy troops and cordon the area which eventually led to the death of Askali and five other bandits, along with three troopers and one police officer.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=979878

Abu Sayyaf member dies, cop wounded in shootout

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Apr 11): Abu Sayyaf member dies, cop wounded in shootout

A SUSPECTED member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and listed as number three in the drugs watchlist was killed while a policeman was wounded in a shootout in an east coast village of Zamboanga City.

 

Eight people, who were caught having pot session, were arrested.

 

Chief Inspector Elmer Solon, Police Station 4 chief, said the shootout occurred around 5 p.m. Monday, April 10, in Bilang-Bilang Island in the village of Mercedes, east of the city.

 

Solon identified the slain suspect as Matiling Addusi, who has a standing warrant of arrest for murder.

 

The police chief said that Addusi is a follower of Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya and listed as the number three high value target drug personality in the city.

 

The wounded policeman was identified as Police Officer 3 Zaide Tutuan, who is assigned with the Police Station 4.

 

Solon said they were conducting security patrol along the shore of Bilang-Bilang Island when they chanced upon a group of people having a pot session in one of the houses.

 

He said the suspects scampered to different directions but eight of them were arrested.

 

Arrested were the following: Sabirula Basarahi, 40; Marham Bumpasan, 19; Mohammad Tating, 40; Adzron Madda, 37; Hamja Salim, 28; Wadud Madda, 17; Abubakar Halis, 31; and, Madi Asmarin, 20.

 

Solon said a shootout ensued when Addusi, who run towards one of the houses, shot Tutuan while in pursuit of the suspected Abu Sayyaf member.

 

He said Addusi was killed in the shootout.

 

He said they recovered inside the house where Addusi hid a magazine loaded with four live ammunitions of caliber .45 pistol; one empty shell of same caliber; two empty shells of caliber 5.56 rifle; one sling bag with seven heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu placed inside a pouch; and other prohibited drug paraphernalia.

 

The confiscated illegal drugs has an estimated street value of P80,000.
 

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/04/11/abu-sayyaf-member-dies-cop-wounded-shootout-536178

Army 'kills Abu Sayyaf commander' blamed for beheadings

From Al Jazeera (Apr 12): Army 'kills Abu Sayyaf commander' blamed for beheadings

Clash on Bohol leaves several fighters dead, notably Moammar Askali, blamed for the beheading of foreign hostages.



In 2000, Abu Sayyaf men snatched foreign tourists from a Malaysian resort, releasing them for millions of dollars in ransoms [File/AP]

Soldiers battling Abu Sayyaf in central Philippines are reported to have killed a key commander of the armed group who had been blamed for the beheadings of two Canadians and a German hostage.

Military chief of staff General Eduardo Ano said troops recovered and identified the remains of Moammar Askali, also known as Abu Rami, at the scene of the battle in a coastal village on Bohol island on Tuesday.

Five other Abu Sayyaf members were killed, along with four soldiers and policemen.

Ano said troops took the picture of Askali after his death and that captured Abu Sayyaf fighters identified the the young commander.

READ MORE: Abu Sayyaf video 'shows beheading of German hostage'

"This is a major blow to the Abu Sayyaf," Ano told AP news agency. "If they have further plans to kidnap innocent people somewhere, they will now have to think twice."

He said Askali had led several fighters, who travelled by speedboats from their jungle hideouts in the southern Sulu province to Bohol, in an apparent bid to carry out another kidnapping in a region that is popular for its beach resorts and wildlife.

Sporadic gun battles between the remaining Abu Sayyaf fighters and government forces continued on Wednesday, military officials said.

At least 10 people has been killed since Tuesday in the fighting in Bohol, far from the group's southern jungle bases.



Military officials say at least six fighters, three soldiers and a policeman have died in the ongoing gun battle in a village in the coastal town of Inabanga.

Bohol - an island province - lies near Cebu province, a bustling commercial and tourism centre.

Ronald dela Rosa, the national police chief director-general, said troops and policemen attacked the armed men early on Tuesday in Inabanga, where they had arrived aboard three boats.

It is the Abu Sayyaf's first known attempt to carry out ransom kidnappings deep in the heartland of the central Philippines, far from its jungle lairs in the southern provinces of Sulu and Basilan.

Bohol, which is popular with tourists, lies about 640km southeast of Manila, and about an hour away by boat from Cebu province, across the busy Cebu Strait.

READ MORE: Rodrigo Duterte apologises to Germany over beheading

Abu Sayyaf fighters have crossed the sea border with Malaysia on powerful speedboats and kidnapped scores of foreign tourists in past years.

In 2001, they sailed as far as western Palawan province, where they seized 20 people from a resort.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered troops to destroy the group in Sulu and in outlying island provinces, and has threatened to declare martial law in the country's south if the threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf and other groups aligned with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) gets out of control.

Abu Sayyaf is still holding at least 29 captives in Sulu's jungles, many of them foreign tugboat and cargo ship crewmen seized at the sea border between the southern Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.



Abu Sayyaf fighters carry out ransom kidnappings deep in central Philippines [Reuters]
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/army-kills-abu-sayyaf-commander-blamed-beheadings-170412052319125.html