AFP to combat ISIS with ‘hard and soft strategy’

From the Manila Times (Oct 14): AFP to combat ISIS with ‘hard and soft strategy’

To ensure that militant operatives of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will not gain a foothold in the Philippines, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said they and their American allies are planning to use “hard and soft” strategy to prevent this from happening.

During Tuesday’s media briefing at the conclusion of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting, Catapang said the “hard strategy” will consist of intelligence sharing, situational awareness, and maritime security agreements with the US.

While the “soft approach” will involve the usage of civil-military operations teams, backed by United States Agency for International Development, doing development work.

The AFP chief said both approaches will require intensified cooperation with the US.

However, he clarified that they are still to determine or locate any ISIS cells operating in the Philippines.

http://www.manilatimes.net/breaking_news/afp-combat-isis-hard-soft-strategy/