Manila: Philippine officials say the military will continue to hunt for Abu Sayyaf militants who killed seven marines last week but they will take care not to disrupt the observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Regional military commander Lt Gen Raymundo Ferrer says troops will focus their manhunt and assaults on militants away from Muslim communities observing Monday's start of Ramadan.
The marines were killed on Thursday in a clash in southern Sulu province. Two of the marines were beheaded. Another 26 were wounded.
President Benigno Aquino III has ordered troops to ensure the al Qaeda-linked militants are brought to justice.
Aquino warned: "Mark my words, to those of you who perpetrated this atrocity, know that you are now No 1 on my radar."
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, August 01, 2011, 10:43