Hunt ongoing for remaining Abu Sayyafs in Bohol: AFP

MANILA – The military is still on the hunt for two remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits who escaped in a gunbattle with security forces in Bohol last weekend.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Restituto Padilla said Tuesday that the two bandits are still on the loose in the province.

"The two [who] are still being hunted [are] known to be in the area where we are already closely guarding and have encircled. And that because of their long exposure to the elements, what they are doing now is to fight for their survival," Padilla said.

Padilla said they received information but refused to give any details.

"We have information, things that I cannot reveal as of the moment until such time that we have completely arrested them," he added.

Last Monday, Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto said three Abu Sayyaf members had managed to escape a firefight with government troops in Clarin town, Bohol, last Saturday that led to the killing of four of their comrades.

Padilla said one of the three fugitives was believed to have expired "because of exposure to the elements and of hunger."

As for the two Abu Sayyaf bandits who are still at large, Padilla admitted that that it takes time to hunt them.

But as far as the security in Bohol is concerned, the military spokesperson expressed confidence that the security forces had "adequately" addressed the threats posed by the bandit group.

Padilla said the military had been able "to foil their (Abu Sayyaf terrorists) plans," which he described as "no joke."

"The Armed Forces [of the Philippines] and the Philippine National Police [are] happy to inform you that the threats we faced in the island of Bohol and the other confirmed reports that have been coming our way, as

well as to the public regarding dangers posed by terrorists in out tourists areas, [are] already addressed," Padilla said.

Padilla then called on the individuals who have been coddling members of the Abu Sayyaf to come to their senses, coordinate with the authorities and report their whereabouts.

MACKY LIM COURTESY CALL. Mutya ng Dabaw 2017 beauties pose with Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and the city councilors yesterday at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlungsod during their courtesy call.