Kalinaw News: AFP Chief visits troops in Sulu; Lauds series of anti-terrorism accomplishments

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 20, 2021): AFP Chief visits troops in Sulu; Lauds series of anti-terrorism accomplishments

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – The Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, General Cirilito E Sobejana visits the headquarters of the 11th Infantry Division from 19 to 20 April at Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Brgy Bus-bus Jolo, Sulu. Gen Sobejana commended the latter’s achievements in the government’s fight against terrorism in the province.

The AFP Chief also went to the 1101st Infantry Brigade and 1102nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in the Municipalities of Talipao and Indanan, respectively where he discussed with fellow military officers how to refine and enhance the army’s strategies and capabilities to sustain the momentum gained by the ground units.

Citing the recent successful neutralization of a foreign terrorist and Abu Sayyaf Group members, Gen Sobejana averred that the successes of JTF-Sulu and 111th Infantry Division, led by Maj. Gen. William N Gonzales, demonstrate that the government is relentless in its mission to ultimately put an end to terrorism, especially in Sulu.

“We should be very thankful that amid our intense operations, we have accomplished a lot without incurring any casualties from our side. My congratulations to the team of JTF- Sulu. I also had an opportunity to lead the JTF-Sulu in 2017 and I am very proud to see that it has evolved into one of the most admirable and dependable units. With regards our mandate, I believe we are on track in neutralizing the key personalities of the ASG,” said Gen Sobejana.

Furthermore, Western Mindanao Command Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto S Vinluan and 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen William N Gonzales presented to Gen Sobejana some of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderees in a ceremony promoting local government programs that aim to enjoin rebels to yield and return to a more peaceful and productive life.

During the activity, Maj. Gen. Gonzales highlighted the continuous decline of ASG’s manpower, which has negatively and greatly affected the group’s resource generation activities. “Our series of operations against these terrorists have constricted their operating spaces, limited their movement, and disabled their ability to boost their ranks and execute their planned atrocities” He also attributed the government’s gained momentum against the ASG to the concerted efforts of the other members of the Provincial and Municipal Task Forces in Ending Local Armed Conflict.

To recall, an Egyptian national together with two ASG members were killed on 16 April in Sulu during a clash with soldiers. Also significant was the arrest of nine ASG supporters and potential suicide bombers in February. From January 2021 to date, the JTF-Sulu has neutralized 7 ASG members, facilitated 60 surrenders, and recovered 56 firearms.

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