[Philippine Star} At least 22 Abu Sayyaf militants have been killed in ongoing military operations in Patikul, Sulu that began on Friday, following President Duterte's orders to crush the rebels.Joint Task Force Sulu commander Arnel dela Vega yesterday reported no casualty among Philippine troops in the clash.
The security force launched an attack an Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Barangay Latih on Saturday, killing three militants. The soldiers gave chase to the more than a hundred Abu Sayyaf militants that managed to escape following the encounter on Friday in Barangay Bungkaong.
Last Friday's encounter left 11 rebels dead, including Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mohammad Said, alias Ama Maas. Eight other rebels were confirmed dead, based on reports about bodies found at the scene of the firefight.
President Duterte had ordered the military to go after the Abu Sayyaf following the beheading of James Patrick Almodovar last week. The militants kidnapped Almodovar last July 16 outside his home in Jolo. The rebels beheaded the 18-year-old after the deadline to pay P1-million ransom lapsed Wednesday afternoon.
Responding to the incident, Duterte vowed on Thursday to annihilate the insurgent group. He said,"My order to the police and to the armed forces: seek them out in their lairs and destroy them."