AFP continuously addressing gaps in curbing ASG threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 20): AFP continuously addressing gaps in curbing ASG threat

Efforts are now underway to bridge the gaps in the the military's ongoing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, who despite the constant pressure, are still capable of conducting kidnapping attacks in Basilan and Sulu waters.

"We are looking at the lens that a determined criminal, terrorist or kidnapping group, can hit and do their intention (even with constant military pressure)," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

He was referring to instances of the ASG terrorists being able to conduct against shipping passing in Basilan waters like the case of Vietnam-flagged M/V Royal Dawn where six Vietnamese sailors were kidnapped last November 11.

The ship, which was homeported in Haiphong, Vietnam, was carrying a cargo of cement for Davao City when boarded by the bandits.

"But rest assured that we, in the military, is continuously going through this, we are studying the cracks, gaps (and looking on possible ways to seal it) and how to neutralize their tactics through (much improved) security combat operations, sea denial and sea control," Arevalo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941653