EDITORIAL - The Abu Sayyaf problem

The government has suffered another big blow in the seemingly never-ending campaign to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf when at least seven Marines were killed and several others were wounded during an encounter with the bandits in the jungle of Patikol in Sulu last week.

Reports said the clash between the Marines and a group of bandits led by Radullan Sahiron and Isnilon Hapilon occurred when the military troops were pursuing an armed group holding some captives Thursday dawn.

Although there was no report on the side of the Abu Sayyaf, the military said the bandits also suffered heavy losses, adding the area of the encounter has been the “nerve center” of the terrorists.

It’s undeniable that the military is still having a hard time going after the group that has been sowing fear in Mindanao for almost 20 years. Despite being only sidelined to Sulu and Basilan, the Abu Sayyaf is still giving the military a run for its money.

Hundreds of soldiers have already been killed or disabled in many encounters. In the continuing effort to neutralize the dreaded group, the seven Marines will not certainly be the last casualties as more skirmishes between the military and the bandits are expected.

Despite being far more superior, the military’s mission to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf has been a tough one. For two decades, it had suffered heavy losses, the biggest of which was the killing of 14 soldiers in a Basilan firefighting in 2007.

 The United States had sent troops to Mindanao to assist the Philippine military against the bandits. Although there were significant results, the enemies are not totally eliminated.

 This is not to say the military’s campaign against the Abu Sayyaf has been a total failure. We have to recognize the fact that the enemies are more familiar with the terrains in Basilan and Sulu.

 Years of going after the Abu Sayyaf, the military had already killed or captured many of its top leaders. But the group linked to the famous Al Qaeda organization still thrives in Mindanao, recruiting more warm bodies to continue its cause.

It seems the present government needs to exhaust more resources to eradicate the Abu Sayyaf problem.