(Eagle News Service) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced on Tuesday that the Abu Sayyaf group that figured in a recent clash with government troops in Inabanga, Bohol was now almost decimated.
“The two or three remaining individuals, one whom we believe to have expired because of exposure to elements and hunger, are down to two, who are fighting for survival,” Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said.
According to Padilla, as such, the “threats” in Bohol “have been addressed.”
“Please do not cancel your reservation in these tourist areas, and go out, enjoy yourselves, have the Sabbatical you most urgently need, and we will ensure you will be able to do that unhampered and secured,” Padilla added.
He thanked the citizens and the local government for their help and cooperation, and reminded the public not to forget the “heroes who have come out of this event.”
He said these were those who died in the clash with the terrorist group on April 11, namely, 2nd Lt. Estelito Salduo Jr., who reportedly led the force against the terrorists; and two enlisted personnel and a policeman, Sgt. John Dexter Duero, Corporal Millune Cahaban, and SP02 Ray Anthony Nazareno.
“They unhesitatingly led the force and brought themselves up in the line of fire just to be able to do their duty of protecting our people and keeping our community safe,” Padilla said.
He also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, the Commander in Chief, for his “time being given to these small visits.”
“(They) may be a small symbol but (they) mean a lot to every soldier and the families they have left behind,” he added.
