AFP needs to stay vigilant vs. local terrorist groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 23, 2021): AFP needs to stay vigilant vs. local terrorist groups (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala. (Photo courtesy of PIA Region 11)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) still needs to be vigilant despite gaining headway in neutralizing local terrorist groups (LTGs) operating in some parts of southern Philippines.

Army Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP spokesperson, made this comment when asked if the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban forces last week would reignite radicalism in the country.

"We are confident that our efforts in Mindanao and security and stability operations there are bearing fruit. So, we believe it's safer, more stable and that our PCVE (preventing and countering violent extremism efforts) are bearing fruit. Again, what we need to do is to be vigilant," he added during Monday's virtual briefing.

Zagala also said a lot of the areas, where local terrorists are known to roam, are stable and secured, and that the AFP has gained headway in its efforts against these LTGs.

"Through the years we have already been (gaining) headway in our efforts against local terrorist groups and we are confident that we will be able to finish them (at the) soonest possible time," he added.

He cited the country's Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement with Malaysia and Indonesia as a big help in securing the Philippines' southern borders.

As this developed, Maj. Gen. Edgardo De Leon, AFP deputy chief-of-staff for operations, said they don't see any risk in accepting or granting asylum to Afghans fleeing from the conflict.

"As regards the possible risk in accepting evacuees from Afghanistan, the Afghan people, we don't see any risk because those trying to seek asylum are those people who are peace-loving who are running away from conflict," he said.

Considering the distance of Afghanistan to the Philippines, which is placed at 5,920 kilometers, de Leon said the country will be probably the last place the Afghans will be looking for asylum.

"So with regard to the possible risk of a spillover of the Taliban conflict to our country it is very remote because we have already reduced substantially the capability of the local terrorists to launch conflict, we have seen our victory, the government victory (in) Marawi and the local terrorists have substantially been reduced," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151292