8 Sulu villages cleared from Abu Sayyaf hold

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Eight villages in the southern Philippine province of Sulu have been declared free from the influence of the pro-Islamic State (IS) group Abu Sayyaf which Gov. Sakur Tan said was largely due to the concerted efforts of the police, military and local government units.

Tan signed on Wednesday the certification clearing the following villages from the Abu Sayyaf's influence: Timpuuk, Igasan, Kabbun Takas, Liang and Kan Ague in Patikul town; Masjid Punjungan in Kalinggalan Caluang town; Tayungan in Panamao town; and Bagsak in Talipao town.