AFP chief flies to Mindanao to personally relay order of intensified ops vs Abus

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 23): AFP chief flies to Mindanao to personally relay order of intensified ops vs Abus

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri over the weekend personally relayed the order of President Aquino for the military to intensify further its operations against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group following the beheading of a Malaysian captive last Tuesday in Sulu.

Col. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman, said that the AFP chief met with the newly installed military commanders in Mindanao — Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero and Western Mindanao Command Command (Westmincom) commander Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz.

“The chief of staff personally went to Zamboanga City and Davao City to preside over the change of commands and, at the same time, pass on and personally convey to the ground commanders the specific instructions of the President,” said Padilla.

“The AFP chief issued his instruction for strengthened efforts against lawless elements in Mindanao,” he added.

On Saturday, President Aquino directed the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to further intensify operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

The order came following reports that Malaysian Bernard Then, who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf last May in Sandakan, was beheaded last Tuesday by the group of ASG sub-leaders Idang Susukan and Alden Bagade in Indanan, Sulu.

However the AFP and the PNP have yet to confirm the beheading despite the recovery of a severed head, believed to be that of Then, is downtown Jolo Tuesday night.

But Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was in Manila attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit when the beheading happened, already expressed sympathies to the family of Then and immediately called on Philippine authorities to punish those responsible.

Of the two military commands in Mindanao, Westmincom is vital in the military’s campaign against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group –having jurisdiction over the provinces of Sulu and Basilan which are both operating areas of the ASG.

Padilla said that the AFP leadership is capable that De la Cruz would perform well as Westmincom chief.

“The AFP is optimistic that General De la Cruz’s leadership will create results, will provide good results in the campaign against lawless elements, terrorist groups in the area,” Padilla said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-chief-flies-to-mindanao-to-personally-relay-order-of-intensified-ops-vs-abus