Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in central Philippines

Former Abu Sayyaf militants identified Askali from a photo troops took of the young militant leader after his death, confirming that the gunmen who quietly cruised into Bohol on three motorboats under cover of darkness late Monday before clashing with troops belonged to the Islamic extremist group.

The national police chief said a soldier died, and the military chief of staff reported that at least five gunmen were killed in an ongoing gunbattle in Inabanga town in Bohol province.

Ano said that among the dead was a key Abu Sayyaf leader known by his alias Abu Rahmi.

Soldiers and the provincial police clashed with rebels on the island of Bohol, about 400 miles south of Manila, after spotting 10 armed members of Abu Sayyaf on three boats, the military said in a statement.

The incursion would be the first on the tourist island by the Abu Sayyaf, which has long engaged in kidnapping for ransom - often targeting foreigners.

Askali has been linked to the kidnapping and beheading of two Canadians a year ago and a German in February.

The militants, led by Askali, reportedly sneaked into the area with the intention of carrying out more kidnappings. Its leaders have also pledged allegiance to Islamic State gunmen in Iraq and Syria.

Ano said Abu Rami had been involved in a series of kidnapping incidents. "If they have further plans to kidnap innocent people somewhere, they will now have to think twice".

"They arrived here last night, and we immediately dispatched our troops", Arevalo said, leading to the confrontation early Tuesday.

The attack came several days after the U.S. Embassy in Manila warned U.S. citizens against travel to Behol and Cebu provinces, citing "unsubstantiated yet credible information" of a possible terrorist threat in the region. Hoteliers and visitors told AFP the incident had not affected tourist traffic on the island, though there was increased police security.

He said residents of Inabanga who fled the fighting are expected to return home later Wednesday.

Abu Sayyaf is believed to have been behind the kidnapping and beheading of a German sailor in February. They brought the hostages in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, and ransomed off some of their wealthy victims.

Its boat-riding gunmen have been boarding commercial and fishing vessels and abducting dozens of foreign crew members.

"We will not let up on the war against the Abu Sayyaf and drugs".

"They clearly benefit from the woefully inadequate maritime capabilities of the Philippine navy and coast guard", Abuza said.