The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday
vehemently denied reports claiming that Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)
terrorists is responsible for the attack that killed 18 soldiers and wounded 53
others in Basilan last April 9.
"I would like to address the first issue on the
announcement of the ISIS group, (coming from Cairo ,
Egypt ) owing to the attack
on Philippine forces in the island
of Basilan
Reports claimed that ISIS
terrorists they have blown seven military trucks, killing 23 soldiers in the
process.
"The attack was initiated by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
and (reports claiming that ISIS have staged the ambush) are not true and
inconsistent with real events on the ground and we assess that this is mere
propaganda on the part of the larger group because they have taken notice of
the events in this country," he added.
"As it is, we encourage everyone not to give this value
because this is very inconsistent with what is really happening on the ground
and as such we are bent on finishing whatever operations we have ongoing,"
Padilla stressed.
As this develops, the number of ASG bandits killed in
ongoing operations in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan since last April 9 has now climbed to
31.
The AFP spokesperson said about half of this number are for
validation even as military units continue to scour the grounds to ensure that
all of the bandits are neutralized for the betterment of the country.
No government losses were sustained in these operations, he
added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=876626
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