AFP exec admits military alone can’t defeat Abus

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 5): AFP exec admits military alone can’t defeat Abus

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday branded as a “huge challenge” the order of President Aquino to wipe out the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), citing that military operation alone cannot address the root-causes of the ASG menace.

At a press briefing, AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc,
however, stressed that the military is supporting the President’s call for the annihilation of the Abu bandits.

But Cabunoc was realistic that military operation alone cannot address the ASG menace — particularly in the provinces of Basilan and Sulu, where an all-out law enforcement operation is now ongoing against the terrorists.

“It’s a big challenge…the problem is not only killing those bandits but to address the root-causes of the problem why some of these people prefer to take up arms and use violence…use criminal activities as an income-generating activities, kidnapping,” Cabunoc said.

“We believe that military solution alone could not address the problem. We will support the government efforts in its drive (against the ASG),” he added.

According to Cabunoc, it has been proven before that despite the neutralization of top leaders of the Abu Sayyaf, the terrorist menace continues.

“We have shown, the military has shown in the past years, the known leaders have killed Abu Sabaya, (Khaddafy) Janjalani, but the problem is still there, so there must be some portions of the problem that should be addressed (by other concerned agencies),” Cabunoc said.

“We could not solve all the problems about Abu Sayyaf, not pure military solution,” he added.

Cabunoc expressed belief that the “whole of nation approach” should be adapted to address ASG menace.

On Monday, Aquino said his instruction to the police and military is to conduct relentless operations until the ASG is finished.

“The military and police have assured us that we have sufficient forces to wipe out these lawless elements,” the President said.

“The minimum we can expect is we will not issue daily press releases, keeping score or running total. Our instruction is to pursue the operations without letup until we finish them, meaning arrest and bring to court all members of the Abu Sayyaf,” Aquino added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-exec-admits-military-alone-can-t-defeat-abus