Military seals off Bohol towns as search for remaining Abu Sayyaf intruders continues

Several portions of Clarin and Inabanga towns in Bohol province are still sealed off as the military continues its search for the remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto on Sunday said intelligence operatives believe the bandits are still in the town of Clarin.

The military said there are only three remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf group that slipped into Bohol last April 11.

Six bandits, including Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, were killed during clashes last April 11 in Inabanga town.

Four more were killed by the military in Clarin town on Saturday.

Chatto said based on information from residents in Clarin, the remaining Abu Sayyaf members have only one firearm left.

The governor said that security forces have set up checkpoints around the two towns. He said vehicles are still allowed to enter and leave.

He said that an informant led the troops to the hideout of the remaining Abu Sayyaf intruders, but declined to identify the tipster.

Chatto confirmed that among those killed on Saturday was Joselito Melloria, believed to be the local contact of the Abu Sayyaf in Bohol and the new leader of ISIS-linked Ansar Khalifa Philippines.

He said Melloria's relatives, who are residents of Barangay Napo in Inabanga town, had identified his body.

Displaced

Chatto said more than 2,000 residents of barangays Bacani and Nahawan in Clarin have been displaced following the clash on Saturday.

Medical and food assistance, and psycho-social counselling sessions have been extended to the affected families, he added.

Chatto, meanwhile, assured the safety of the public amid the ongoing military operation.

He said the province's tourist arrivals remained at normal levels despite the presence of the bandits.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations held events on Panglao island last week amid heightened security.

Delegates continued the planned tour of the province despite the recent clashes and travel advisories issued by foreign embassies. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/ALG, GMA News