ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Two militants are reportedly being eyed to replace slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the military said over the weekend.
Ground troops are pursuing the group headed by the two terrorists, according to Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.
Hapilon was said to be the “emir” in Southeast Asia of the Islamic State.
Galvez declined to identify the two to avoid giving publicity to the group and its followers.
“Yes, there are two possible listed replacements, but we refuse to identify them because... it will create hype,” he said.
Galvez gave the assurance that whoever would be picked between the two would suffer the same fate as Hapilon, who was killed along with Omarkhayam Maute during the Marawi battle.
Earlier, sources said that Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama and Malaysian terrorist Amin Baco were being eyed to succeed Hapilon.
Baco was reported killed during the Marawi battle, but the military is still verifying the information.
Indama’s group, which is based in Basilan, is known for kidnapping activities.