Govt security forces poised to move vs ASG in Sulu

From InterAksyon (Oct 16): Govt security forces poised to move vs ASG in Sulu

Government security forces in Sulu on Thursday received the green light from Governor Sakur Tan to mount "law enforcement operations" against Abu Sayyaf fighters who have threatened to execute two Germans they are holding hostage.

Colonel Allan Arrojado, the military's Sulu Island commander, said Tan gave the go-ahead at a meeting of the "special action committee" late Thursday morning, for "all concerned agencies to start moving and preparing for law enforcement operations."

Asked if the decision was prompted by the Abu Sayyaf’s threat to kill Stefan Viktor Okonek by Friday unless their demand for a P25-million ransom for the hostages is met, Arrojado said: "From the military point of view, the Abu Sayyaf is serious in their threats, but we already have plans to support the Philippine National Police."

News reports say Okonek has been separated from his wife Henrike Dielen and is now kept in a pit where he is supposed to be executed.

But Arrojado refused to call the operations a rescue attempt, although he acknowledged that getting the hostages back safely would be the priority.

"We will not use the word 'rescue'," he stressed, but added that, "law enforcement includes that, so, if the kidnap victims are there, the priority is the safe rescue of the hostages."

He also refused to say when the operations would start, only indicating, "we are launching anytime. We are verifying the exact location of the sub-group leaders and other Abu Sayyaf."

Arrojado said he had no idea whether negotiations had taken place for the release of the hostages or if these had broken down.

"I am not knowledgeable on that matter," he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/97391/govt-security-forces-poised-to-move-vs-asg-in-sulu