[PhilStar] The Abu Sayyaf has split into smaller factions to focus on mobile tactics after being chased out of a base in Basilan.Colonel Cirilo Donato said the 200-man Abu Sayyaf group that used to occupy a camp in Barangay Baguindan as a base of operations against Tipo-Tipo town, fled last month because of the military operations. He said the Abu Sayyaf group led by Isnilon Hapilon suffered nearly 50 killed and several injured during its occupation last month.
Hapilon and his group are known to have pledged allegiance to Daesh and vowed to establish a caliphate in Basilan.
Donato said that Hapilon's group stopped villagers from traveling to their farms. Residents were only allowed to go if they agreed to join the Abu Sayyaf. Residents reported the harassment, which triggered the offensive against the rebels.
Donato said about 100 Abu Sayyaf insurgents are thought to be hiding in the jungle of Sumisip near Sampinit Complex.