Friday, September 23, 2016

AFP says no to suspension of military ops while negotiation for more ASG captives is ongoing

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): AFP says no to suspension of military ops while negotiation for more ASG captives is ongoing

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 captives, four Indonesian seafarers and two Filipino telecom workers were freed by the ASG.

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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