AFP 'super force' to intensify campaign against Abu

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban yesterday said there will be no letup in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf as authorities arrested another wanted member of the group in Isabela City.

Oban said they will not loosen up on their security measures until they neutralize the terrorists as prescribed by the military’s internal security plan Bayanihan.

Security forces, Oban said, are in fact fast-tracking the creation of a “super force” that will fight terrorism despite the death of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

“It (security measures) has to be a continuous effort… until we have reached the objectives of IPSP (internal peace and security plan) Bayanihan in neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf, the JI (Jemaah Islamiyah) and other groups,” he told reporters.

Under Bayanihan, the military will continue pursuing terrorist groups while supporting peace negotiations with armed groups like the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The government wants to reach a political settlement with the NPA and the MILF while conducting military operations against terrorists and lawless groups.

“For the Abu Sayyaf and the JI, definitely, we will conduct focused military operations… The strategy is neutralize them, isolate them first, cut off their lines, mass base support and logistics,” Oban said.

Oban, who heads the 120,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said they are now preparing the guidelines for the joint “super force” that will combat terrorism and other threats. The team will consist of military and police officers and personnel.

“We just have to provide the guidelines and provide the appropriate guidance to our operating units. It’s up to the local command to undertake the necessary efforts,” Oban said.

He said the creation of the joint team is part of efforts to strengthen the peace and security coordinating councils nationwide.

“It has to be dynamic. We take a look at how we fared in the past and what other movements to contemplate to make it an effective setup,” the AFP chief said.

Oban said he will meet with Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo in the next few days to craft the guidelines. The joint “super force” against terrorism will be activated as soon as possible, he said.

“It’s prudent to consider all possibilities. We are always prepared for them. We’re hitting it right in the heart of the organization in Jolo and Basilan,” Oban said referring to areas believed to be the lair of Abu Sayyaf. – Alexis Romero, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran