AFP to launch major offensive vs Sayyaf in two months

MANILA, Philippines - The military will launch a major offensive to defeat the Abu Sayyaf within two months under the directive of new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Delfin Bangit.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said additional troops and resources would be sent to Sulu to go after key leaders of the terrorist group who are believed to be holding out in the province.

“Gen. Bangit said within two months, the problem on the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) should be solved. It does not mean totally eradicate or annihilate but substantially reduce their capability to launch atrocities and crimes against the people,” Brawner told a press briefing yesterday.

Brawner said Bangit has ordered Army chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu to start sending troops to Sulu within the month.

No indicators of “substantial reduction of ASG’s capabilities” were given but Brawner said military commanders on the front would determine if the objective has been attained.

Brawner also declined to provide further details on the additional troops to be deployed but said “well trained soldiers” that can perform “special types of operations” would be deployed.

“The operations being done in Sulu are precise. These operations are composed of smaller units that can operate on special types of operations... These are units we need to prevent collateral damage or civilian casualties,” he said.

The special operation units will augment the Marine Brigade that has been deployed in Sulu to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf.

“We are pouring in more resources into the areas where the Abu Sayyaf are operating... (There will be) additional troops, additional resources like logistical resources in the area such as gasoline and then perhaps ammunition and some supplies,” Brawner said.

The military estimate that around 400 extremists are still holding out in Sulu.

Bangit, in his first visit to Sulu as AFP chief, told the troops to sustain the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf.

“We should not relax. We have to keep the pressure against the terrorists,” Bangit told the troops.

Bangit said the two-month deadline is an assessment period for the military to determine how the offensive operation could go “before we can give the military’s ‘coup d’ grace’.”

Bangit said part of the assessment was the continuous enhancement of the government troops’ capability, including the purchase of ballistic mats to protect soldiers on convoys from roadside bombings.

Bangit said the military would take advantage of the momentum following the death of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Albader Parad last month.

Parad was killed during an encounter with the military in Maimbung, Sulu.

Parad was involved in a series of kidnappings including that of Red Cross workers Marie Jean Lacaba, Italian Eugenio Vagni, and Swiss national Andreas Notter last year.

‘No need for election covenant’

The military does not see the need for AFP chief Bangit to enter into a covenant with politicians to ensure an honest and peaceful May elections.

AFP spokesman Brawner said they have already signed election covenants with various sectors such as the police, the clergy, and civil society groups.     – With Roel Pareño