Muamar Askali, a notorious Abu Sayyaf commander, has been shot dead by Philippines security forces, reported The Star today.

Askali, who is also known as Abu Rami, was high on the Malaysian and Filipino forces' wanted list and was behind the kidnapping and beheading of many hostages of the militant group, including that of Malaysian Bernard Then's, said the report.

Sarawakian Then was abducted from a seafood restaurant in Sandakan in May 2015 and was beheaded in November the same year.

Abu Rami is also said to be behind the abduction and subsequent killing of Canadians John Risdel and Robert Hall, as well as German Jurgen Kantner, last year.

The 20-something Abu Rami was killed early on Tuesday with four others at a farm house in Bohol, central Philippines, after helicopter gunships bombarded their hideout.

The daily was given a photo of the dead militant with his face covered in blood, as proof of his death.

According to the report, Abu Rami and his gang were planning attacks on tourist spots on Easter Sunday.

The dead militant was among a group of 60 gunmen who were believed to have slipped out of Jolo following intensive military operations there and headed to Visaya Island, when they stopped at Bohol to plan the Sunday attack.

Villagers who spotted the group alerted the authorities and the gun battle ensued, which also saw three soldiers and a policeman killed.

The remaining militants are believed to be on the run.

College-educated Abu Rami was one of the few English speaking Abu Sayyaf militants and reportedly had links with the Islamic State militant group, and was keen in expanding the group's influence in the Southern Philippines.