PNoy tells AFP to end ASG operations as Hataman seeks all-out war over death of 6 soldiers

From InterAksyon (Nov 3): PNoy tells AFP to end ASG operations as Hataman seeks all-out war over death of 6 soldiers

President Benigno Aquino III has reiterated his instructions to the military to end the operations of the Abu Sayyaf Group after six soldiers, including a young officer, were killed in a recent ambush in Basilan.

"Our instruction as of now is that there will be no let-up in operations until we finish the ASG - meaning we arrest and bring to court the members of the Abu Sayyaf," Aquino said in an interview in Laguna aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman condemned the killings, and sought an all-out military offensive against the bandits.

The chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said it is time to use the iron hand in dealing with the group because its members have victimized so many.

Hataman immediately went to the island where the killing of the soldiers happened and expressed sadness over the death of the soldiers who were only assigned to guard the multimillion road project.

He is scheduled to visit their remains today.

In relation to this, Hataman announced that the scheduled kickoff of the 25th year anniversary celebration of the region on November 7 will not be affected by the shooting. The kickoff is scheduled in the in Sumisip in the island of Basilan. 

Short-, long-term targets to win war

In his Laguna interview, the President said, "We have short-term and long-term targets. For the long term, we have to recover the communities that have been supporting the Abu Sayyaf. We also need to initiate massive development in Sulu, in Basilan. If there is investment, if there is development, the Abu Sayyaf will have no more reason to recruit new members," the President added.

Aquino said the government is not being reactive to the Abu Sayyaf but proactive.

"If you recall, since the German hostages were released, we already launched simultaneous operations against the Abu Sayyaf," he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Aquino said, has enough forces to deal with the ASG - now estimated at 400, half of which are sympathizers.

"We have several battalions, not just one or two or three, but several battalions composed of some of our most elite forces and the regular line infantry battalions who are going to all of these mountain lairs and very heavily wooded jungle and dense areas to precisely deprive them of safe havens," the President said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98419/pnoy-tells-afp-to-end-asg-operations-as-hataman-seeks-all-out-war-over-death-of-6-soldiers