The Philippine military confirmed that at least 25 members of the extremist group Abu Sayyaf were killed and 25 others were seriously wounded due to intensified military campaign against the group in the island of Sulu.
According to Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through spokesman Major Filemon Tan, during the first encounter with the Philippine forces and the extremist group 22 bandits were killed and 16 were wounded.
Pres. Rody Duterte already ordered the Philippine Military to intensify the operations against the bandit groups Abu Sayyaf which started last week.
Aside from the reported number of deaths among the members of the extremist groups, the AFP also reported that in the neighboring province of Basilan 18 Abu Sayyaf members were killed and 9 were wounded during an encounter in the town of Tipo-Tipo.
The authorities also identified one of the slain Abu Sayyaf member, he was Sabtola Mahalli who made a name for himself during the abduction of journalist Ces Drilon during the year 2008.
In an announcement to the media through Inquirer Radio, Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman-Sallima declared a state of calamity in the province which could last up to three months. The declaration was made to properly serve the citizens who had fled because of the combat taking place.
According to Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through spokesman Major Filemon Tan, during the first encounter with the Philippine forces and the extremist group 22 bandits were killed and 16 were wounded.
Pres. Rody Duterte already ordered the Philippine Military to intensify the operations against the bandit groups Abu Sayyaf which started last week.
Aside from the reported number of deaths among the members of the extremist groups, the AFP also reported that in the neighboring province of Basilan 18 Abu Sayyaf members were killed and 9 were wounded during an encounter in the town of Tipo-Tipo.
The authorities also identified one of the slain Abu Sayyaf member, he was Sabtola Mahalli who made a name for himself during the abduction of journalist Ces Drilon during the year 2008.
In an announcement to the media through Inquirer Radio, Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman-Sallima declared a state of calamity in the province which could last up to three months. The declaration was made to properly serve the citizens who had fled because of the combat taking place.