Basilan mayors want military to step up offensives vs Abu Sayyaf

From Rappler (Nov 5): Basilan mayors want military to step up offensives vs Abu Sayyaf

The mayors say they want the hightened offensive because the Abu Sayyaf has consistently threatened peace, security and development in Basilan



All 12 mayors of the province of Basilan appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to intensify its operations against the Abu Sayyaf, following the ambush of 6 soldiers, including a junior officer,in Sumisip town. (READ: Basilan's hero: Fresh PMA grad dies in Abu Sayyaf hands)

In a manifesto, signed on November 5, the mayors supported the recommendation of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Mujiv Hataman for the military to launch an all-out offensive to flush out the militants from their hiding places in the province.

"We, the mayors of the local government units of Basilan, strongly condemn in the highest possible terms and denounce the terroristic activities of the ASG," the manifesto said.

Those who signed the manifesto include mayor Rose Furigay of Lamitan City, mayor Gulam Hataman of Sumisip, mayor Tong Istarul of Tipo-tipo, mayor Alih Sali of Akbar, mayor Duri Kallahal of Tuburan, mayor Talib Pawaki of Mohammad Adjul, mayor Darussalam Lajid of Al-barka, mayor Jomar Maturan of Ungkaya Pukan, mayor Muctar Junaid of Tabuan Lasa, mayor Rustam Ismael of Lantawan, mayor Jamar Mansur of Hadji Muhtaman and mayor Indanan Daud of Maluso.

The mayors explained that they have agreed to unite and call for the all-out offensive because ASG has consistently threatened peace, security and development in Basilan.

"We, the local leaders of Basilan, are asking the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to neutralize and intensify its military actions against the ASG to restore peace and order in our province," the mayors said.

But for Amirah Ali Lidasan, president of Suara Bangsamoro, the local leaders of ARMM must be cautious in its "all-out war announcement" against the Abu Sayyaf because civilians might be targeted in the military offensives.

Suara Bangsamoro asserted that intensified offensives are "prone to abuse of power by the authorities and would lead to more cases of human rights violations such as massive displacement of residents, death due to strafing and indiscriminate firing, destruction of properties, exposing women and children to harm."

Lidasan added that the previous all out wars in Mindanao resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents and damage to properties.

On Monday, November 3, President Benigno Aquino III vowed to terminate the Abu Sayyaf and bring them to court. The President however acknowledged that increased military attacks could make the Abu Sayyaf respond more aggressively.

The military however is undeterred. “We have been assured by the military and the police that we have sufficient forces to terminate these ill-intentioned groups,” Aquino said.

 

http://www.rappler.com/news/74084-basilan-mayors-armm-abu-sayyaf