AFP sees defeat of Abu Sayyaf ahead of 6-month deadline

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said it is confident that the recent death of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya would lead to the bandit group's eventual defeat ahead of the President Rodrigo Duterte's deadline.

"His death will surely diminish ASG's capability to conduct terrorism, particularly kidnapping, stop the recruitment, and would lead to the eventual defeat of the whole [Abu Sayyaf] organization," AFP chief General Eduardo Año said in a statement.

Misaya was killed by Marines in an encounter in Indanan, Sulu on Friday night.

The military said Misaya was a bomb expert credited for "many celebrated kidnapping cases" and bombings.

The group is responsible for kidnappings and the beheading of foreigners and locals.

"It is a devastating blow to the ASG. Misaya is also like Abu Rami — considered as a young, bold, and ruthless ASG leader in charge of kidnapping foreigners and known to be daring ASG terrorist fighter," Año said.

"His recruitment ability also contributed in radicalizing young Tausugs," he added.

Año said the AFP has been receiving many surrender feelers from Abu Sayyaf members.

Misaya's death came days after troops killed another Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, Muammar Askali alias  Abu Rami, after his group slipped into Bohol last April 11.

In a separate statement, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Misaya's death brings the military closer to its objective of defeating the Abu Sayyaf within the year.

"The neutralization of Misaya adds a big plus on the AFP's timeline & brings the community a step closer to peace, progress and sustainable security," Padilla said.

"His followers hopefully get the message that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them and hence, motivate them to turn a new leaf and seriously consider surrendering.," he added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in January said that Duterte set a six-month deadline for the AFP to defeat local terror groups, including the Abu Sayyaf, the Maute group, Ansar Khalifah Philippines and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The AFP has also been pursuing members of the Maute group in Lanao province. It believes that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon had linked up with the Maute group. —Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/ALG, GMA News