Military pounds suspected Abu Sayyaf lair in Basilan

MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines has launched an offensive against terror group Abu Sayyaf in Al-barka, Basilan early Monday morning, the town's mayor confirmed.

Mayor Darus Ladjid said the military started to bombard Barangay Makalang at about 3 a.m. Monday dawn where the group of Abu Sayyaf Group commander Nurhassan Jamiri is suspected to be holed in.

Ladjid said there is no encounter as of yet.

Jamiri's group, numbering about 70, was reinforced by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group from Sulu.

Ladjid said no kidnap victim was seen with the group. However, some residents in the area have started to flee for fear of being caught in possible crossfire.

Military spokesman Brig. General Restituto Padilla told ANC on Monday that they estimate the Abu Sayyaf to have around 500 members already, most of which are armed.