The construction of the 55-kilometer Transcentral Road is a joint high-ticket project of the Office of the Regional Governor in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and its regional public works department under engineer Don Loong. Abu Sayyaf bandits thrice attempted to kill using improvised explosive devices engineer Soler Undug, chief of the Basilan District Engineering Office, for his involvement in the colossal road project. The ARMM’s Transcentral Road project would reach the remaining Abu Sayyaf lairs possibly by middle of 2018, according to a timeframe set by engineers. Villagers are worried the Abu Sayyaf would hostage and use them as shields to prevent soldiers from closing in. “Coordination with people on the ground who are against the presence of Abu Sayyaf terrorists is being initiated to hasten our effort,” Sindac said.

Source: Philippine Star July 08, 2017 10:30 UTC