Abu Sayyaf ‘problem’ limited to a single barangay – Bohol governor

Bohol's local government said on Tuesday that, following a firefight with suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen, security forces had "contained" the problem to Barangay Napo in Inabanga, Bohol.

"What we are trying to emphasize though is that they have contained the problem in one barangay in Napo," Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto explained on GMA News TV program "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho".

"At saka, 'di naman buong Inabanga ang affected. Normal naman ang operations ng kalakalan dito, from business to offices, schools, graduation were proceeding normally kanina. Except barangays close to Napo na ginamit nating evacuation sites."

Chatto also said that they were still waiting for an official statement from the military on the number of fatalities from the fighting.

"There is the reason why we have been establishing a protocol on the releasing of official information concerned... na dapat manggagaling talaga sa commanding officers on the ground ng Army. Ang mga data o statistics on fatalities for example. We would like to reserve that information through them para may statement talaga sila," Chatto said.

"What we are very certain about is may casualty tayo sa side ng gobyerno.  But as to the body count of intruders na pumasok sa lalawigan ng Bohol, we are still waiting for the official statement," he added.

Chatto also said food had been provided to the 200 or so families that had been evacuated because of the fighting. These families were also advised that it was not yet safe to return to Napo.

"There should be no movement back to Napo or their respective home until we get a signal from our commanding officers on the ground," the governor explained.

A joint inter-agency operation was conducted against the suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen who reportedly entered the island-province by boat. 

The number of government security forces killed in a firefight with the terrorists Tuesday morning had risen to four, officials said earlier. —Anna Felicia Bajo/DVM/KG, GMA News