(Eagle News) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines is still verifying reports Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Idang Susukan was killed in Jolo, Sulu.
Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, made the statement after a report from The Star Malaysia said Susukan was injured in military offensives launched on Feb. 2 in the area.
The offensives were launched following the twin blasts at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral on January 27.
Five soldiers and three Abu Sayyaf members were reported killed in the clash.
Citing intelligence sources, the publication said Susukan died of his injuries on Feb. 4, Monday.
“Notwithstanding these reports that tend to confirm each other, our troops in the area endeavor to locate his remains for us to conclusively report through DNA test that he indeed is dead,” Arevalo said.
He said if it was confirmed Susukan had died, this would be a victory for the military, which has intensified operations against local terrorists following the Jolo blasts that killed at least 23 people and injured several others.
“He is one of the Abu Sayyaf’s notorious subcommanders who perpetrated many kidnappings, beheadings and other terrorist attacks to include the twin blasts in Jolo Cathedral,” the military spokesperson said.
