MANILA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A suspected Abu Sayyaf leader was killed in a clash with state security forces in Sulu province in southern Philippines late Friday evening, an official said Saturday.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement that the military has confirmed the death of Alhabsy Misaya, considered one of the most notorious kidnappers in the Abu Sayyaf bandit group.
He said the death of Misaya could be considered as a "big blow" to the notorious kidnap-for-ransom bandit group in the country.
"We call on all citizens to remain vigilant, alert and watchful in cooperating with security forces to end the menace of this bandit group, as government holds them accountable for their brutal and senseless crimes," he said.
Abella called for the cooperation of the public in order to have safer and more secure communities.
The military has estimated that the strength of the Abu Sayyaf is now reduced to about 300 from a high of 500 due to continued offensive operations of the government troopers against the bandits.
The Abu Sayyaf, founded in the early 1990s, was responsible for high profile kidnappings involving locals and foreign nationals.
