Abdulsaid was linked to past beheadings of Filipino marines and Vietnamese hostages.

Abu Sayyaf is a terrorist organization known for kidnappings, beheadings, bombings, and other violent attacks in the southern Philippines.

Despite recent setbacks, the group remains a security threat in the region, which is home to a Muslim minority in the predominantly Catholic nation.

Abdulsaid was one of several Abu Sayyaf members who aligned with the Daesh group.

A police report reveals that Abdulsaid was suspected of involvement in at least 15 beheadings in Basilan, including the killing of 10 Philippine marines in 2007 and two Vietnamese sailors in 2016.

He was also linked to attacks against government forces in 2022 and a bombing that killed two pro-government militiamen in November.

Abdulsaid was under surveillance but couldn't be arrested due to the hostile nature of the area.

Separately, Philippine troops killed the leader of another Muslim rebel group and 11 of his men in a clash in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

In the southern Philippines, seven soldiers were injured during a clash with members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), one of the small armed groups continuing to push for separatist uprisings.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest separatist group, signed a peace pact with the government in 2014, leading to the creation of a five-province Muslim autonomous region.

MILF rebel commanders now serve as parliamentarians and administrators, preparing for regular elections next year.

The BIFF and another group, Abu Sayyaf, remain active in their separatist efforts.