AFP planning for a second major clash with Sayyaf bandits

From Ang Malaya (Nov 17): AFP planning for a second major clash with Sayyaf bandits

“We will have to continue to pressure them because that is the order from the higher ups, to defeat the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, in Sulu, in Zamboanga and in Tawi-Tawi,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Genereal Gregorio Catapang Jr. said over the weekend.

Catapang made the statement after military troops in Talipao, Sulu have been into a major clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group headed by Radullan Sahiron last Friday, November 15.

Intelligence report said that approximately 300 Sayyaf bandits, with some of them badly wounded, are within the perimeter of Mount Bunga in Talipao, Sulu.

“We are monitoring them,” Catapang added. “They are still resting but we are now crafting a plan to catch up with them.”

General Catapang added that additional troops may be deployed when the need arises.
“We are preparing for the next law enforcement operation.”

“We will be on relentless campaign against lawlessness and kidnapping to arrest them and to ensure the safety of kidnap victims.” There are 1,200 deployed soldiers in Sulu and 1,000 troops in Basilan.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/11/17/5806-afp-planning-for-a-second-major-clash-with-sayyaf-bandits