That said, there was a big planned raid by Abu big shots on tourist areas outside of Mindanao, i.e. in areas where there are few Muslims. The aim was to get lots of ransom money, and since they recently beheaded a Canadian you know they meant to kill the innocent tourists if they did not get money.
But locals reported them, and they lost the battle including some big shots.
I talk to the people on the streets of Davao. My wife and her whole family voted for DU30. Of the ones I talk to, there is little love for Abu Sayaf. They have no time for muzzies. I see them here all the time, but they are vastly outnumbered, and don’t cause any problems in Davao City.