The Philippine military is continuing its pursuit of Abu Sayyaf militants into the mountains of Sulu.
Ground troops have now resumed their assault after airstrikes were used on positions held by the terror group amidst the thick jungle foliage.
Around 5,000 elite soldiers have been mobilised for the operation.
The military has assured the safety of civilians, but hundreds of families have fled the region for fear of getting hit in the crossfire.
The battle against Abu Sayyaf has been stepped up in the past week following the bomb attack on a church in Jolo that claimed 21 lives, and which Philippine authorities blame on the terror group.
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