Abu Sayyaf member gunned down in Bohol

MANILA, Philippines — (Update 2, first published at 3:49 p.m.) One of the two remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Bohol has been killed after a brief firefight with the authorities, according to reports.

The alleged Abu Sayyaf member was gunned down by military personnel at past 1 p.m. on Monday.

"Combined AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) troops encountered today the last two remaining lawless elements  who entered Bohol early in April this year," read the joint-statement of the AFP and PNP.

"One of them was killed, and the other, though reportedly wounded, was able to elude arrest and run away," it added.

The encounter ensued between the Abu Sayyaf members and the military at Barangay Kahayag, Calape, Bohol at 12:30 p.m., resulting to the death of one of the militants.

Seized from the slain Abu Sayyaf militant is an M16 rifle. The other Abu Sayyaf member, reportedly in possession of a Cal. 45 pistol, managed to evade arrest and run away.

"He is now the subject of manhunt operations. Military and police authorities are confident that the last remaining LE (lawless element) will be arrested soon," the AFP and PNP said. 

On April 11, the militant group and Philippine security forces clashed in Inabanga, Bohol, leading to the death of six militants and four government troops.

Abu Sayyaf leader Muammar Askali, also known as Abu Rami, was among the militants killed during the encounter. — Patricia Lourdes Viray

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