Sunday, July 23, 2017

AFP: No letup in fight vs terror as Martial Law extended

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 23): AFP: No letup in fight vs terror as Martial Law extended

THE ARMED Forces of the Philipines (AFP) vows to destroy the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City following the extension of Martial Law in the whole island of Mindanao until Dec. 31 this year.
 
The 17th Congress, voting jointly–261 against 18–favored the extension of the Martial Law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus until the end of the year.

Gen. Eduardo Año, the AFP Chief, told TIMES yesterday that they are taking the extension seriously.

“It’s an acclamation of the sacrifices of every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine who died, or were wounded or whose limbs were lost fighting or while supporting the fight to retake Marawi and liberate the hostages,” Año said.

Año said the task to neutralize the terrorists-extremists and degrade their capability, to rescue civilians trapped or held hostage, and to set the conditions for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the city is a daunting challenge.

“But your AFP, aware of the enormity of the job that still needs to be done and the great expectations of our people, will measure up to the test,” he added.

The AFP chief also thanked the people for their support, but also urged them to also help the police and military fight terrorism.

In his speech during the joint session of senate and congress on Saturday afternoon, the AFP chief also expressed confidence that their soldiers in Marawi city are disciplined enough to avoid any excesses in the implementation of Martial Law.

Año said they are assessing the situation on the ground to determine if it’s already safe for some families in Marawi to return to their homes. Presently, the AFP said the terrorists are still holed up in four barangays in the city.

In a separate interview, Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, director of Police Regional Office XI, said the region gives its full support to the extension of Martial Law.

“We will see to it that all PNP personnel will abide by the police operational procedures, uphold the rule of law, respect human rights and international humanitarian law,” Gaerlan said.

The regional police chief said they will support the AFP in the implementation of Martial Law. “The PNP is also calling on all responsible citizens to remain vigilant and alert for terrorist and terrorist cells in their community who are out to sow terror, disrupt our democratic institutions and advance their own selfish cause,” he added.

Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum, director of Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said he expected the approval of the extension by congress, with the uncontrolled aggression of the Maute, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the New People’s Army.

“It is the only option left to our government and we in the DCPO fully support this, we should fight fire with fire,” Tagum said.
 

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