The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has junked Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari's request for
the suspension of military operations in Sulu as negotiations for the release
of the remaining Abu Sayyaf hostages are ongoing.
An estimated 15 hostages are still being held by the Abu
Sayyaf Group (ASG) -- Dutch birdwatcher Ewold Horn, five Indonesian sailors,
five Malaysian fishermen and four Filipinos.
Earlier, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the last of the Samal Island
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said they
cannot accede to this request as the bandits could use the lull in fighting to
escape.
The military will only agree to stop operations if kidnap
victims are turned over or released to civilian authorities, he added.
Padilla also said he believes that the sustained operations
against the ASG in Sulu have caused the group heavy losses. Last August,
fatalities from the ASG's side were estimated at 32 while government casualties
were put at 15 dead and 10 wounded.
As this developed, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said
he is giving military commanders leeway to decide on Misuari's request, adding
that the ASG might be given "breathing space" if operations against
them are suspended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925563
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