AFP: Bohol is now Abu Sayyaf-free

(Eagle News)– The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared on Monday (May 15) that all Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Bohol were neutralized.

“With the death of (Abu) Asis and (Abu) Ubayda, all the Abu Sayyaf Group members that landed in Bohol province aboard three bancas in early April 2017 were neutralized. Bohol is now cleared of Abu Sayyaf Group elements,” AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said.

Earlier on Monday, Ubayda and Asis were able to take a hostage. But a police report said they were forced to release the civilian when the military found their trail.

Asis and Ubayda were the last of the 11 ASG bandits who escaped military operations in Sulu a month ago and planned to launch attacks and abductions in Bohol.

No government troops were injured in the operation.