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Duterte lauds troops for operation that killed 7 Abu Sayyaf fighters

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<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/11/10/20201105-duterte-iatf-eid-mnib-8.jpg"/><figcaption>President Rodrigo Duterte gives a public statement at the Malacañang Park, Manila, Nov. 5, 2020.<em> Richard Madelo, Presidential Photo</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA— President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday lauded the military&#x27;s Western Mindanao Command for an operation that killed 7 members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Sulu Sea last week. </p><p>The 7 bandits were on their way to &quot;conduct a kidnapping operation in Surigao province&quot; and on board a speedboat when they traded gunfire with soldiers and were killed, said Duterte in a speech aired Tuesday. </p><p>&quot;As your Commander-in-Chief, I commend and salute you for your gallantry, your vigilance and commitment in defeating these terrorists, and ensuring the safety and security of our nation, which is really, truly inspiring,&quot; said the President. </p><p>&quot;To the valiant troops we are honoring today, please accept my love for you and your family. And you have just earned the respect of a grateful nation,&quot; he added. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/07/20/20200526-covid19-quarantine-lrt-2-simulation-gc-0738.jpg"/></figure></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8W6uc8dv0UE?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a>   <em>Courtesy of the Presidential Communications and Operations Office </em></div><p>The slain extremists reportedly belonged to the command of Abu Sayyaf leaders Mundi Sawadjaan and Radullan Sahiron. </p><p>The military earlier identified Sawadjaan as the mastermind of the Aug. 24<a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/24/20/blast-rocks-sulu-town-plaza"> twin bombings</a> in Jolo town that killed 17 people, including two suspected suicide bombers, and injured over 70 others.</p><p>Among those also killed Tuesday was Sawadjaan’s brother, Madsmar, according to a military statement. </p><p>Last week&#x27;s sea gunfight against the Abu Sayyaf raged for about 25 minutes and sank the extremists&#x27; boat, the military earlier said. <br/> <br/>&quot;We need to beef up our security,&quot; Duterte told troops. &quot;Magpakatatag kayo (be strong), do not worry. Your job is to secure the nation, make it peaceful.&quot; </p><p>A tougher anti-terror law that allows the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days without charge took affect last July. </p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/20/20/terror-law-flouting-rights-go-to-supreme-court-palace-tells-critics">Terror law flouting rights? Go to Supreme Court, Palace tells critics</a></li></ul><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xaXe0EBrgwk?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><div><br/> </div>

<p>President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday lauded the military's Western Mindanao Command for an operation that killed 7 members of Abu Sayyaf’s bandit group in Sulu Sea last week. <br /> </p>

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday lauded the military's Western Mindanao Command for an operation that killed 7 members of Abu Sayyaf’s bandit group in Sulu Sea last week.