14 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Philippine military action

At least 14 members of Abu Sayyaf group were killed in an intensified military campagin against the terrorist group in south Philippine province of Sulu, after it beheaded Canadian kidnap victim John Ridsdel on Monday.

Noel Detoyato, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' public information office, said the 14 terrorists were killed during aerial bombardment and shelling of known Abu Sayyaf positions in the towns of Patikul and Talipao since Saturday.

Detoyato said the military launched the operations amid threats by Abu Sayyaf to behead one of their hostages if authorities fail to deliver 300 million pesos (6.42 million U.S. dollars) each for the four Samal kidnap victims.

Ridsdel was subsequently beheaded Monday afternoon in Patikul town. His severed head was thrown in front of the Jolo town hall Monday night. A headless body, believed to be that of the victim, was found at a creek in Talipao town on Wednesday.

Ridsdel was among the four hostages who were abducted by ASG bandits on Sept. 21 last year from a resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte. Also seized were Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipina Marithes Flor.

Detoyato said information about the killing of the 14 terrorists was based on reports received by the military's Western Mindanao Command from civilians.

"There is an estimated 14 Abu Sayyaf members who were killed as a result of the bombardments of the 105 mm howitzers for the past five days," Detoyato told a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

Detoyato said operating government troops have not recovered any enemy body.

"This 14 killed, based on reports from civilians, is for further validation from other sources," the official said. Endit