The Western Command (WestMindCom) has reported that seven suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed following an encounter in Sulu Sea on Tuesday.
According to WestMinCom officials, an all-out offensive was launched against the local terror group past 1 a.m. in the morning in the open waters of Sulu Sea near Sulare Island in Parang.
The military launched air and sea by troops targeting members of the Abu Sayyaf Group under Mundi Sawadjaan and Radullan Sahiron.
"Exchanges of fires transpired, which lasted for 25 minutes, and resulted in the sinking of the boat utilized by more or less seven ASG members," WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said.
Vinluan said two of bandits were believed to be brothers of Sawadjaan and are reportedly planning to conduct kidnapping activities in mainland Mindanao.
The military identified the two as Madsmar Sawadjaan and Mannul Sawadjaan who, according to authorities, were about to be declared to replace deceased ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. Their five companions have yet to be identified.
The WestMinCom chief said the bodies of the local terrorists have yet to be found.
"'Di na makalangoy siguro 'yun. Dapat kasi makita 'yung bodies," Vinluan said.
Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Sulu commander Major General William Gonzales said search and retrieval operation is currently being done through the use of air and naval assets.
"We will use all our available air, naval, and ground assets to neutralize these local terrorists. This particular achievement is a result of our united efforts with the people of Sulu particularly our Tausug brothers in bringing lasting peace and development in the province of Sulu," he said.