MANILA - The Philippine government is giving a P1 million reward to 3 informants who tipped off authorities about Abu Sayyaf extremists infiltrating Bohol island earlier this month.

Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao said pursuit operation against the remaining Abu Sayyaf fighters is still ongoing. He assured residents that the 3 remaining bandits are no longer a threat, since they are in survival mode, hungry and on the run.

He thanked residents for being cooperative in helping solve the recent crisis.

A group of about 10 Abu Sayyaf men infiltrated Bohol this month. Western countries have issued travel warnings about visiting the island.

Seven of the extremists were killed, including their leader who had been involved in the kidnap and execution of Canadian and German nationals in recent months, the Philippine military has said.

The military has been struggling to wipe out Abu Sayyaf, which originally had Muslim separatist aims but now engages mostly in banditry and piracy.

The group has been holding more than two dozen captives, most of them Vietnamese sailors, who are easy prey for militants equipped with small, fast boats. With Reuters