Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Abu Rami slain in Bohol

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Eduardo Año said Wednesday that Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Rami was among those killed during the firefight with joint operatives of police and military in Inabanga, Bohol.

“Yes, Abu Rami is among those Abu Sayyaf killed in Bohol operation, six killed among the enemies, our troops recovered another body on the site of encounter,” Año said in a phone interview with reporters.

He said the death of Rami, whose known real name is Muamar Askali, is a big blow to the bandit group.

“It’s a major blow. Abu Rami participated in Samal kidnapping and also with the Canadians,” he said.

Security analyst Rommel Banlaoi, meanwhile, said he received information that among the slain bandits was among Rami's top aide, Nammil Ahajari.

Año said the Abu Sayyaf threat in Bohol is now over.

“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 against them continues to scour the area,” he said.

An intelligence report obtained by GMA News on Tuesday said that the Abu Sayyaf members, on board three speedboats, was spotted along a river in Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo in Inabanga at around 10 a.m. on Monday.

Another report said that a bandit under the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Abu Rami initially spotted in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte arrived in Inabanga town around 5 p.m. Monday.

The report said the Abu Sayyaf bandits were planning to carry out kidnappings in the province.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said troops recovered the sixth fatality from the Abu Sayyaf side around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

“Clearing and mopping up operations still ongoing. As of 1:30 a.m., one more bandit neutralized bringing to six enemy bandits killed and accounted for,” he said.

“Sa government side, our casualties remain at three soldiers (one junior officer & two enlisted personnel) and one policeman. We also have one wounded,” he added.

He said that initial information obtained by the military said at least 10 Abu Sayyaf members slipped into Bohol.

Año said the bandit group must now think twice.

“The Abu Sayyaf must think twice, our security forces are working, challengingly and effectively, as they thwart their plans to sow terror in the area,” he said.

He also recognized the heroism of the military and police officers who were killed in the operations.

“I recognize the heroism of our soldiers for doing the ultimate sacrifice. I also acknowledge the help of the citizens who reported to authorities the presence of  the armed men,” he said. —ALG, GMA News