A SUB-LEADER of the Abu Sayyaf was among six terrorists killed in an encounter with government troops Friday morning in Sulu, an official said.
The military had poured thousands of troops in Sulu after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered it to eliminate the terrorists.
Western Mindanao Command chief Mayoralgo dela Cruz said his troops were continuing to chase the fleeing terrorists.
“Our troops are extremely motivated,” he said.
“Seventeen of them were wounded but 10 of them were only slightly wounded. The mission is clear: Seek and destroy the ASG.”
Major Felimon Tan Jr. said the Abu Sayyaf also suffered dozens of wounded after the encounter around 6:12 a.m. in Patikul town.
“Among those killed was Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mohammad Said who has five warrants of arrest for murder,” Tan said.
“He was involved in the abduction of the Samal kidnap victims of whom two Canadians were beheaded.”
The terrorists beheaded Robert Hall and John Ridsdel after their families failed to deliver a 300-million-peso ransom for each of them for their safe release. Hall’s Filipino girlfriend, Maritess Flor, was released unharmed while Kjartan Sekkingstad, a Norwegian, is still being held captive.
The four were seized by the Abu Sayyaf at a resort in Samal last year and brought to Sulu.