Duterte angered over beheading of teenager by Abus

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte was angered by the beheading of a Filipino teenager who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu last month.

Duterte reiterated his order for the security forces to destroy the terrorist group, which has carried out several bombings and kidnappings in Mindanao.

“My orders to the police and the armed forces against all enemies of the state: Seek out. Seek them out in their lairs whatever and destroy them. Drugs, destroy them. Abu Sayyaf destroy them,” the president told reporters in Davao City Wednesday night.

The victim, identified as Patrick Almodovar, 18, was abducted by the bandits in Jolo, Sulu last July 16. A severed head believed to be that of Almodovar was recovered by the authorities Wednesday night in Indanan town.

Previous reports said the Abu Sayyaf had demanded P1 million ransom from the victim’s family.

Asked what makes his campaign against Abu Sayyaf different from those of previous administrations, Duterte replied: “I said I‘ll be harsh. But that is just a campaign. Go out and destroy them.”