MANILA, Philippines — A notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader was killed during an encounter with the military and police troops in Tawi-Tawi on Saturday (March 20).

Commander of the JTF Tawi-Tawi Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas said the military immediately took action following a report regarding the presence of suspicious fully-armed men in Barangay Kalupag Island.

“We executed prompt military action following the receipt of information. We are anticipating reports from the communities that is why we made sure that our assets are at high readiness,” he said.

Apo Mike was already wounded when government forces captured him. He eventually died due to blood loss. Local authorities managed to rescue ASG’s last captive in Tawi-Tawi , a  15-year-old Indonesian national .AAC

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines—An alleged sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed during an encounter with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Zamboanga City on Tuesday (February 2).

Arrasid Adjing Halissam reportedly served as an assistant of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) international leader Isnilon Hapilon.

Based on initial reports, PNP authorities went to the suspect’s house to issue a warrant of arrest for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. However, it escalated to an encounter which resulted in the death of Halissam.

The PNP also reported that Halissam had direct communication with ASG sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan regarding a terrorist attack plan in the Zambasulta area. He also served as a recruiter and finance conduit of Dawlah Islamiya Terrorist Group.

Halissam was also involved in several bombing incidents an kidnapping in Mindanao. AAC (with reports from Val Villaflor)

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged member of a crime group linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASF) has been killed in an encounter with the military in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The suspect, identified as Ibrahim Anduhol alias Tongtong, is reportedly linked with the Barahama Ali crime syndicate that is allegedly engaged in kidnapping, robbery, and other criminal activities.

A law enforcement operation was conducted by police authorities around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday (December 17) which led to an encounter. Anduhol opened fire, leading to the police to retaliate. Police recovered two caliber .45 pistols with ammunition.

Andhol had a standing warrant of arrest for murder, and was involved in the killing of a soldier and kidnappings of a businesswoman in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay in 2015, and a businessman in Kabasalan in 2018. AAC (with reports from Val Villarflor)