AFP chief allays concerns on collateral damage in operations vs. Abu Sayyaf

From GMA News (Nov 7): AFP chief allays concerns on collateral damage in operations vs. Abu Sayyaf

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. assured mayors of Basilan on Friday that collateral damage will be minimal in operations against the Abu Sayyaf in the province.

According to the AFP public affairs office, Catapang and Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero of the Western Mindanao Command met with the 13 mayors of Basilan at the Westmincom hedquarters to discuss law enforcement operations that will be launched against the bandit group.

"I have always reminded my soldiers about our slogan: Kawal Disiplinado. Bawal Abusado. Dapat Asintado. If they remember all of these, they would not commit unnecessary damage during our operations," the AFP quotes Catapang as saying.

The AFP chief also said the local executives can help security forces by identifying members of the Abu Sayyaf.

"We will post pictures of the suspects so that people can easily identify them," he said.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman, who is from Basilan and who was also at the meeting, has called for an all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf after the group ambushed six soldiers guarding a government road project in Sumisip village on Nov. 2.

Hataman clarified, however, that he meant that the government should "mobilize everything" to address threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf.

"This is not like the all-out war during the time of President Erap Estrada during which all armaments were used against the armed threats. Actually, military action here is only secondary. They need to support in the law enforcement operations against the bandits who are threatening the peace in our communities," he said.

He added operations will only likely affect residents of three barangays in the province where the Abu Sayyaf are present.

The AFP said that the mayors also expressed their support for operations against the bandit group.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/387096/news/regions/afp-chief-allays-concerns-on-collateral-damage-in-operations-vs-abu-sayyaf