Philippines’ Aquino vows to ‘neutralise’ Abu Sayyaf kidnappers

Manila (AFP) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino vowed Wednesday to launch a military assault aimed at “neutralising” Abu Sayyaf militants who beheaded a Canadian hostage and are holding more than 20 other foreigners. 

“Casualties are to be expected. But what has to be of utmost importance is neutralising the criminal activities of the ASG,” Aquino said in a statement, referring to the Abu Sayyaf by a commonly used acronym.