GMA hails AFP’s latest Abu catch

President Arroyo praised the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday after troops scoring another major victory in ongoing operations against the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu.

The President commended in particular the Army’s 18th Infantry Brigade under the command of Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero for overrunning an Abu Sayyaf camp in the jungles of Basilan.

"Just last week, they overran a camp in one far-flung barangay in Basilan while pursuing a group led by commander Usmahl Lijal," she said during her weekly message over Radyo ng Bayan. "In Indanan, Sulu our Scout Rangers captured seven men of commander Robot while they were getting supplies."

The President said the government continues to score big in the fight against terrorism.

"As your President, I again congratulate our brave soldiers and policemen for their valor in staking their own lives in the performance of their duties for the welfare of the country," she said.

The President made an unscheduled visit last Friday night to the wake of slain Police Office 3 Oliver Benedicto, who was killed in a shootout with five bus robbers along the North Luzon Expressway Tuesday night.

The President went to the residence of slain policeman in Sta. Ana, Manila and condoled with the bereaved family, giving P50,000 cash assistance to the cop’s wife, Virginia.

Benedicto, 32, assigned to the Pampanga police force, was heading home aboard an Aladdin Transport bus bound for Manila when a robbery was announced. The policeman who was still in uniform fought back with the five robbers and injured three of them. – Marichu Villanueva