RP steps up operations against rebels

RP steps up operations against rebels

PHILIPPINES: The Philippine Army said on Friday it had stepped up operations in case of attacks in retaliation for the killing of a senior leader of the Moro extremist Abu Sayyaf group a day earlier.

Southern military chief Lt. Gen. Roy Kyamco meanwhile visited the Abu Sayyaf stronghold of Basilan island to award soldiers who killed the al-Qaeda-linked group's number three leader, Hamsiraji Sali, and five other members on Thursday.

Basilan army chief Col. Raymundo Ferrer said the army had boosted security as Abu Sayyaf supporters could want to avenge the death of their leader.

"We have intensified our territorial defense system around Basilan," Ferrer said.

In the past the Abu Sayyaf have staged bombings and kidnappings after clashes with the military both as a show of strength and in retaliation for government pursuit of their forces.

Sali, his brother Tahir and four other Abu Sayyaf members were killed in a clash with elite Scout Ranger forces on the outskirts of the Basilan capital of Isabela. -- AFP