Editing Abu Sayyaf (section)

== Military operations ==

The [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|Philippine military]] has engaged Abu Sayyaf since the 1990s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1370&dat=19951215&id=ko0mAAAAIBAJ&pg=2570,2778271|title=Sayyaf holds 3, not 2, hostages|newspaper=Manila Standard|date=December 15, 1995|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1914&dat=20000504&id=hZ80AAAAIBAJ&pg=1425,917375|title=4 hostages killed during rescue|newspaper=Sun Journal|date=May 4, 2000|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> Under President [[Rodrigo Duterte|Duterte]], the Philippine government sought a [[Bangsamoro peace process|peace agreement]] with the MNLF and MILF, but not the "bunch of criminals" in Abu Sayyaf.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alvarez |first=Katharina Charmaine |date=July 28, 2016 |title=('NO TALKS WITH CRIMINALS') Abu Sayyaf excluded from Duterte's peace initiatives |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/575498/news/nation/abu-sayyaf-excluded-from-duterte-s-peace-initiatives |access-date=July 30, 2016 |publisher=GMA News}}</ref> The Philippine military intensified operations in 2003, following the arrest of a [[Filipino-American]] who was alleged to have sold illegal weapons to the group. The suspect was tagged by US authorities as "one of the United States' most wanted fugitives". He was then deported by the Philippine government to face legal action in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/nation/226844/fil-am-accused-supplying-weapons-sayyaf-deported|title=Fil-Am accused of supplying weapons to Sayyaf deported|agency=Associated Press|work=The Philippine Star|date=November 6, 2003|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref>

On July 29, 2016, the military gained control of an Abu Sayyaf stronghold in [[Tipo-Tipo, Basilan|Tipo-Tipo]]. The Philippine military pledged to eliminate Abu Sayyaf.<ref name="wipe out order"/><ref>{{cite news |author=Mangosing |first=Frances |date=July 30, 2016 |title=LOOK: Scout Rangers gain control of Abu Sayyaf position in Basilan |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/801141/look-scout-rangers-gain-control-of-abu-sayyaf-position-in-basilan |access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> On August 25, President Duterte ordered the group to be "destroyed" after it beheaded a teenager.<ref name="wipe out order"/> Following the incident, the Philippine military sent thousands of troops to fight and destroy Abu Sayyaf.<ref name="intensified operation"/> Filipino Army Major Filemon Tan said, "The order of the president is to search and destroy the Abu Sayyaf so that's what we are doing".<ref>{{cite web |last=Gomez |first=Jim |date=August 26, 2016 |title=Troops kill 11 Abu Sayyaf members |url=http://mindanation.com/3885/troops-kill-11-abu-sayyaf-members/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831014546/http://mindanation.com/3885/troops-kill-11-abu-sayyaf-members/ |archive-date=August 31, 2016 |access-date=August 26, 2016 |publisher=MINDANATION}}</ref> Both MNLF and MILF began helping to suppress [[extremism]] in Mindanao, which helps the peace process for both groups.<ref name="MNLF against Abus"/><ref name="MILF against Abus"/><ref name="MNLF fight against Abus"/>

Philippine security forces collaborated with Malaysia and Indonesia to maintain security in the Sulu Sea.<ref>{{cite web |author=Marzukhi |first=Hafiz |date=July 28, 2016 |title=Malaysia, Philippines to establish forward base at border |url=http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/malaysia-philippines-establish-forward-base-border-112342 |access-date=July 30, 2016 |publisher=Astro Awani |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729162139/http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/malaysia-philippines-establish-forward-base-border-112342 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 14, 2016 |editor-last=Marboen |editor-first=Ade |title=Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines finalizing SOP for joint patrols |url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/105659/indonesia-malaysia-the-philippines-finalizing-sop-for-joint-patrols |access-date=July 30, 2016 |publisher=[[Antara (news agency)|Antara]]}}</ref> The [[Government of Indonesia|Indonesian government]] proposed to station [[Indonesian Army|army]] units in Mindanao to launch a major offensive against Abu Sayyaf.<ref>{{cite news |author=Heriyanto |first=Devina |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Q&A: Rethinking Indonesia's military operation in southern Philippines |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2016/07/14/qa-rethinking-indonesias-military-operation-in-southern-philippines.html |access-date=July 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730120228/http://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2016/07/14/qa-rethinking-indonesias-military-operation-in-southern-philippines.html |archive-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> The Indonesian government called on the [[Malaysian Army|Malaysian]] and [[Philippine Army|Philippine]] armies to launch combined land attacks together on Mindanao, while at the same time urging the Philippine government to allow Indonesia and Malaysia military forces to enter Philippine territory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/jakarta-proposes-3-nation-land-ops-against-abu-sayyaf|title=Jakarta proposes 3-nation land ops against Abu Sayyaf|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=August 4, 2016|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805085624/http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/jakarta-proposes-3-nation-land-ops-against-abu-sayyaf |archive-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Sapiie |first=Marguerite Afra |date=August 5, 2016 |title=Military commanders need to draft joint military exercise SOP: Gatot |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/08/05/military-commanders-need-to-draft-joint-military-exercise-sop-gatot.html |access-date=August 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805084910/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/08/05/military-commanders-need-to-draft-joint-military-exercise-sop-gatot.html |archive-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref> The [[Vietnam People's Armed Forces|Vietnamese military]] started to hold military exercises against Abu Sayyaf (known locally as "pirates" by the Vietnamese) following the repeat kidnappings of Malaysian and Indonesian sailors.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/155953/vietnamese-ships-to-get-piracy-warnings.html |title=Vietnamese ships to get piracy warnings |agency=Vietnam News Agency|publisher=Vietnam Net|date=May 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904091135/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/155953/vietnamese-ships-to-get-piracy-warnings.html|archive-date=September 4, 2016}}</ref> The Philippine military provided one battalion to go against each subgroup.<ref>{{cite news |author=Pareño |first=Roel |date=September 5, 2016 |title=One Army battalion going after each Abu Sayyaf leader |newspaper=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/05/1620711/army-battalion-going-after-each-abu-sayyaf-leader |access-date=October 4, 2016}}</ref> On September 9, following the meeting between President [[Rodrigo Duterte|Duterte]] and Indonesian President [[Joko Widodo]], an agreement was reached to pursue the Abu Sayyaf. The Philippine President said:

{{blockquote|We agreed to encourage the earliest and effective implementation of cooperative frameworks to address security issues in maritime areas of common concern. We expressed commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure security in the Sulu Sea and maritime areas of common concern. There will be some interdiction by their armed forces and our armed forces and that is not really a warning but just a statement that we have decided to end this problem once and for all. Unlike the previous agreement with our neighbours, this time we will allow our neighbours to chase ships and pursue them even when they are in Philippine waters – "until such time that there is a competent Philippine authority who will take over in the chase. Maybe what's in my mind really is the hot pursuit and if the hot pursuit is done in the high seas, in the international waters, they can and they can even arrest or destroy them if they present a violent resistance". Malaysia will also be involved in this co-operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/bahasa/englishedition/145747-maritime-cooperation-abu-sayyaf-kidnappings|title=Duterte wants Abu Sayyaf kidnappers 'blown up' at sea|author=Natashya Gutierrez|agency=Agence France-Presse|work=[[Rappler]]|date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912064410/http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/bahasa/englishedition/145747-maritime-cooperation-abu-sayyaf-kidnappings|archive-date=September 12, 2016}}</ref>|Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines}}

However, the government of Indonesia decided to not launch a military operation in the southern Philippines, stating that there is enough Philippine military personnel had been deployed. Indonesia's view was seconded by Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news |author=Halim |first=Haeril |date=September 20, 2016 |title=Indonesia won't enter Philippine waters despite green light |work=[[The Jakarta Post]] |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/09/20/indonesia-won-t-enter-philippine-waters-despite-green-light.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924171109/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/09/20/indonesia-won-t-enter-philippine-waters-despite-green-light.html |archive-date=September 24, 2016}}</ref> Philippine military chief [[Ricardo Visaya]] warned the Abu Sayyaf that they would continue with further major military operations. The military chief gave notice to Abu Sayyaf members to surrender or be "neutralised", (killed or apprehended).<ref>{{cite web |author=Reyes |first=Victor |date=September 12, 2016 |title=AFP chief to ASG: Surrender or die |url=http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-chief-asg-surrender-or-die |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927022158/http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-chief-asg-surrender-or-die |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |publisher=Malaya Business Insight}}</ref>

Some 20 Abu Sayyaf surrendered in Sumisip on September 22.<ref>{{cite news |author=Adamczyk |first=Ed |date=September 23, 2016 |title=20 Abu Sayyaf militants surrender in Philippines |work=United Press International |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2016/09/23/20-Abu-Sayyaf-militants-surrender-in-Philippines/9981474630916/ |access-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref> The day before, Philippine armed forces confiscated 200 speedboats used by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ager |first=Maila |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Gov't seizes 200 high-powered speedboats from Abu Sayyaf |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/817571/govt-seizes-200-high-powered-speedboats-from-abu-sayyaf |access-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref> President Duterte rejected a proposal by [[Nur Misuari]], the leader of MNLF to include Abu Sayyaf in peace talks.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ranada |first=Pia |date=September 26, 2016 |title=Duterte: No amnesty for Abu Sayyaf |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/147403-philippines-duterte-no-amnesty-abu-sayyaf |access-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref> On September 27, another attempt to smuggle weapons to Abu Sayyaf was prevented by the [[Philippine National Police]] in [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan City]]. Four people were arrested.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bolando |first=AJ |date=September 27, 2016 |title=High-powered guns for Abu Sayyaf, ARMM execs seized in San Juan |newspaper=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/27/1627928/high-powered-guns-abu-sayyaf-armm-execs-seized-san-juan |access-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref> By October 14, the Philippine military had launched 579 military operations, 426 of which were focused to "neutralise" group members. 54 engagements resulted in 56 Abu Sayyaf members killed, 21 surrendered and 17 arrested.<ref>{{cite web |author=Colcol |first=Erwin |date=October 14, 2016 |title=AFP: 59 bandits killed in Duterte's first hundred days |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/585068/news/nation/afp-59-bandits-killed-in-duterte-s-first-hundred-days |access-date=October 17, 2016 |publisher=GMA News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/149393-abu-sayyaf-military-operations|title=AFP report: 94 Abu Sayyaf 'neutralized,' 14 hostages freed|work=Rappler|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref>

Abu Sayyaf fatalities then increased to 102, with seven more apprehended. Notable Abu Sayyaf leaders were killed, including Nelson Muktadil, Braun Muktadil, their sub-leader Mohammad Said, Jamiri Jawhari, Musanna Jamiri, the group spokesman Abu Rami and Alhabsy Misaya.<ref name="eliminate Abus">{{cite web |date=April 13, 2017 |title=Senior Abu Sayyaf Leader Offers to Surrender |url=http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/senior-abu-sayyaf-leader-offers-to-surrender |access-date=April 14, 2017 |publisher=The Maritime Executive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.dw.com/en/philippine-marines-kill-abu-sayyaf-extremist-leader/a-38635850|title=Philippine marines kill Abu Sayyaf extremist leader|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=April 29, 2017|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref name="use all tools">{{cite news |author=Marasigan |first=Fernan |date=October 17, 2016 |title=Use all 'tools of war' vs Abu Sayyaf |newspaper=The Manila Times |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/use-tools-war-vs-abu-sayyaf/291746/ |access-date=October 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019150259/http://www.manilatimes.net/use-tools-war-vs-abu-sayyaf/291746/ |archive-date=October 19, 2016}}</ref> In addition, another 165 fast boats used for transport and kidnapping activities were confiscated.<ref name="use all tools"/> By April 13, 2017, 50 more ASG members had surrendered.<ref name="eliminate Abus"/> In the same month, Philippine authorities discovered the presence of militants from Indonesia and Malaysia killed during the ongoing operations<ref>{{cite web |last1=Villamor |first1=Felipe |last2=Umel |first2=Richel |last3=Navales |first3=Mark |date=April 25, 2017 |title=Indonesians, Malaysian Among 37 Militants Killed in Philippine Military Strike: Officials |url=http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/Lanao-del-Sur-04252017174353.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426043737/http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/Lanao-del-Sur-04252017174353.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=April 29, 2017 |publisher=Benar News}}</ref> (notable foreigners such as Sanusi, [[Zulkifli Abdhir]], Ibrahim Ali, Mohd Najib Husen and Mohisen were among the dead)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/indonesian-militant-killed-in-philippines/news-story/170d252c5f5e0ac44fa295a3b8c46ed2|title=Indonesian militant killed in Philippines|agency=Australian Associated Press|publisher=news.com.au|date=November 24, 2012|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32157211|title=FBI confirms militant Marwan's death in Philippine raid|work=BBC News|date=April 2, 2015|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Cassrels |first=Deborah |date=November 30, 2015 |title=Indonesian bomb Ibrahim Ali killed by military in Mindanao |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/indonesian-bomb-ibrahim-ali-killed-by-military-in-mindanao/news-story/0b46cab4fb4a8d18fa162927f019b4b0 |access-date=April 29, 2017 |publisher=The Weekend Australian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/malaysian-militant-killed-clashes-philippine-022912443.html|title=Malaysian militant killed in clashes with Philippine army, says report|work=The Malaysian Insider|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=December 17, 2015|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2017/01/29/indonesian-militant-killed-in-operations/|title=Philippines military identifies IS-linked militant killed as Indonesian named 'Mohisen'|work=The Star|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> as well as the presence of a "traitor" among their security members when a top policewoman was caught for her ties with the group.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jara |first=Manolo B. |date=April 25, 2017 |title=Top policewoman nabbed for ties to Abu Sayyaf |url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/ae8d334a-9eea-41ca-8a19-5d033775f78c.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427100451/http://gulftoday.ae/portal/ae8d334a-9eea-41ca-8a19-5d033775f78c.aspx |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |publisher=The Gulf Today}}</ref> Indonesia admitted the presence of its citizens who came from [[North Sulawesi]] and said they could not prevent them from joining, given the lack of security on their borders.<ref>{{cite news |author=Halim |first=Haeril |date=April 26, 2017 |title=Indonesian militants can 'easily' enter Philippines |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/04/26/indonesian-militants-can-easily-enter-philippines-.html |access-date=April 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429140250/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/04/26/indonesian-militants-can-easily-enter-philippines-.html |archive-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hincks |first=Joseph |date=2017-04-26 |title=Indonesia 'Can't Stop' Militants Crossing Into Philippines |url=https://time.com/4755528/indonesia-isis-philippines-caliphate-abu-sayyaf/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326093724/https://time.com/4755528/indonesia-isis-philippines-caliphate-abu-sayyaf/ |archive-date=26 March 2023 |access-date=2023-03-26 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref> Malaysia discovered that militants were using [[Sabah]] as a transit point.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/malaysian-leaders-face-clear-and-present-terror-threat|title=Malaysian leaders face 'clear and present' terror threat|work=Today|date=January 26, 2017|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jacinto |first=Al |date=January 27, 2017 |title=Foreign militants cross Sabah to Mindanao |newspaper=The Manila Times |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/foreign-militants-cross-sabah-mindanao/308993/ |access-date=April 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127211321/http://www.manilatimes.net/foreign-militants-cross-sabah-mindanao/308993/ |archive-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref> The two pledged to prevent cross-border terrorism and curb the activities of militants.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/04/17/sabah-to-cooperate-with-indonesia-to-curb-cross-border-crime-musa/|title=Sabah to cooperate with Indonesia to curb cross-border crime – Musa|newspaper=Borneo Post|date=April 17, 2016|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Fevrier |first=Vincent |date=April 10, 2017 |title=The Threat of the Islamic State in South-East Asia, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit on the Frontlines in Indonesia |url=https://www.intelligencefusion.co.uk/single-post/2017/04/10/The-Threat-of-the-Islamic-State-in-South-East-Asia-and-the-Counter-Terrorism-Unit-on-the-Frontlines-in-Indonesia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234546/https://www.intelligencefusion.co.uk/single-post/2017/04/10/The-Threat-of-the-Islamic-State-in-South-East-Asia-and-the-Counter-Terrorism-Unit-on-the-Frontlines-in-Indonesia |archive-date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=April 29, 2017 |publisher=Intelligence Fusion}}</ref>

Early on November 26, 2016, Duterte stated that he would open peace talks with Abu Sayyaf group (as he did with the MNLF and MILF by offering [[Federalism in the Philippines|federalism]] as a possible solution)<ref name="optas">{{cite news|url=http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/222501|title=Duterte open to talks with Abu Sayyaf terrorists|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Manila Standard|date=November 26, 2016|access-date=November 29, 2016|archive-date=November 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129145315/http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/222501}}</ref> while continuing to fight against the [[Maute group]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Ralph |title=Philippines' Fight Against Muslim Insurgents Is Hitting A New And Sticky Blockade |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2016/11/30/5265/ |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> a move criticized by Philippine analysts as it would be used by extreme rebels to claim for legitimacy as a group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/26/16/abu-sayyaf-can-use-duterte-statement-to-claim-legitimacy-analyst|title=Abu Sayyaf can use Duterte statement to claim 'legitimacy'--analyst|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=November 26, 2016|access-date=November 29, 2016}}</ref> In a statement, the President said:

{{blockquote|I can bomb more if I want to. At the end of the day, what can I say to the Filipino? That we have wiped out almost all of our [[Yakan people|Yakan]], [[Sama-Bajau people|Sama]], [[Tausūg people|Tausūg]] brothers? Even those not connected with the violence now? Either we talk, if you want autonomy or if you want something else, federalism, I am ready. I am committed to (a) federalism set-up to appease the [[Moro people|Moro]].<ref name="optas"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/duterte-wont-risk-civilians-sayyaf-war/298803/|title=Duterte won't risk civilians in Sayyaf war|agency=Agence France-Presse|work=The Manila Times|date=28 November 2016|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128141646/http://www.manilatimes.net/duterte-wont-risk-civilians-sayyaf-war/298803/|archive-date=28 November 2016}}</ref>}}

His statements were criticized by national media as leading to confusion about whether he wanted peace talks.<ref>{{cite news |author=Pascual Jr. |first=Federico D. |date=November 29, 2016 |title=Is Du30 confused, or confusing ASG? |newspaper=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2016/11/29/1648443/du30-confused-or-confusing-asg |access-date=November 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129081824/http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2016/11/29/1648443/du30-confused-or-confusing-asg |archive-date=November 29, 2016}}</ref> Another IS-linked group, the Maute emerged in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |author=Fianza |first=Florencio |date=December 1, 2016 |title=Difficult to analyze |newspaper=Manila Standard |url=http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/222847 |access-date=December 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201213214/http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/222847 |archive-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref> On December 7, Duterte told the Indonesian and Malaysian leaders that "they can bomb the Abu Sayyaf along with the hostages if the Abu Sayyaf continue to present persistent threats and the hostages should already know that there is repeated warnings to not go there".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/150452/duterte-indonesia-malaysia-bomb-kidnappers-hostages|title=Duterte to Indonesia, Malaysia: Bomb kidnappers; hostages, too|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209152823/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/150452/duterte-indonesia-malaysia-bomb-kidnappers-hostages|archive-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref> In early 2019, Duterte emphatically stated that he would never initiate or agree to any peace talks with Abu Sayyaf due to his detestation for the group's record of atrocities and its treatment of innocent people as young as 8 years old.<ref>{{cite news |author=Esguerra |first=Darryl John |date=January 18, 2019 |title=Duterte: I will never talk peace with Abu Sayyaf |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1074729/duterte-i-will-never-talk-peace-with-abu-sayyaf |access-date=January 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128082839/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1074729/duterte-i-will-never-talk-peace-with-abu-sayyaf |archive-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref>

In the aftermath of the [[2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings]], President Duterte ordered an "All-Out-War" directive against the Abu Sayyaf Group, which led to heavy ground operations, massive airstrikes, artillery bombardment in surrounding areas, the evacuation of civilian in other areas, and the creation of the [[11th Infantry Division (Philippines)|11th Infantry Division]] of the [[Philippine Army]].<ref name="Inquirer-AllOutWar">{{cite news |last1=Gamil |first1=Jaymee T. |last2=Alipala |first2=Julie |title=Duterte orders all-out war on terror groups |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078558/duterte-wants-all-out-war-vs-jolo-mass-murderers-terror-groups |access-date=April 5, 2019 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213054959/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078558/duterte-wants-all-out-war-vs-jolo-mass-murderers-terror-groups |archive-date=February 13, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="PhilStar-AllOutWar">{{cite news |last1=Matsuzawa |first1=Mikas |title=Military unleashes air strikes on Sulu after Duterte's 'all-out war' order |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/30/1889345/military-unleashes-air-strikes-onsulu-after-dutertes-all-out-war-order |access-date=April 5, 2019 |work=The Philippine Star |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=January 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209052643/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/30/1889345/military-unleashes-air-strikes-onsulu-after-dutertes-all-out-war-order |archive-date=February 9, 2019}}</ref><ref name="MB-Offensives">{{cite news |last1=Recuenco |first1=Aaron |title=AFP launches offensive vs ASG |url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/31/afp-launches-offensive-vs-asg/ |access-date=April 5, 2019 |work=Manila Bulletin News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131211312/https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/31/afp-launches-offensive-vs-asg/ |archive-date=January 31, 2019}}</ref>