AFP facing younger, more agressive Abu Sayyaf

CAMP NAVARRO, Zamboanga City - The strength of the Abu Sayyaf remains at more than 400, with the extremist group setting its sights on the youth to boost its ranks, the military said on Tuesday.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said 247 of the Abu Sayyaf members are operating in Sulu, where a fierce firefight erupted last Friday and left 10 terrorists and five soldiers dead.

He said about 200 other bandits are in Basilan.

When asked why the number of Abu Sayyaf members has not been reduced significantly in the last few years, Catapang said their data would still require further validation.

"We will assess through continuous operations if their ranks have been diminished," Catapang told reporters after a meeting with the Western Mindanao Command here.

Catapang admitted that the bandits are becoming younger because of the group's recruitment.

"Our enemies are young so they are very daring and agressive," Catapang said. 

"We regret that young people are doing this. Kidnapping and bomb-making should not be the ambition in life," he added.

Catapang said they are working with local governments to organize a summit that would tackle ways to promote peace and development in conflict-affected areas.

He said pursuit operations are ongoing against the terrorists who are still holding at least 10 people hostage.

"We are still in the law enforcement operations. We will be filing cases against the Abu Sayyaf who fought with our soldiers," he said.

Meanwhile, Catapang on Tuesday awarded medals to 28 soldiers who were hurt during a clash with local terrorists in Talipao, Sulu last Friday. 

Gold Cross medals were awarded to 1Lt. Michael Asistores, Sgt. Eddie Lumandap and Pfc. Ariel Cajes for gallantry during the encounter with the Abu Sayyaf.

Awardees of the Wounded Personnel Medal were S/Sgt. Johnifer Tumala, Pfc. Carlito Sistoza, Pfc. Richard Rendon, Pfc. Reagan Apostol, Pfc. Jerimane Corpuz, Pfc. Emidio Bitin III, Pfc. Alexander Nael, Cpl. Ray Tampil, Pfc. Romarico Talledo Jr., Pfc. Rogelio Domingo, Pfc. Richie de Pedro, Pfc. Rogie Valdez, Pfc. Belger Ramirez, Sgt. Elmer Lazaga, Pfc. Eduardo Gomez, Pfc. Mark Manggad, Pfc. Orlando Ballesteros, Cpl. Dennis Azerador, Pfc. Jerico Diza, Pfc. Jeffry Baquial, Sgt. Delio Surio, Cpl. Jevsie Galulu, Pfc. Lloyd Saranglao all of whom are confined at Camp Navarro General Hospital.

Also awarded with the Wounded Personnel Medal were Sgt. Castro Kitong and Cpl. Joey de Guzman who are covering in a private hospital in Zamboanga City.