Military sees ‘total victory’ vs terrorists in Mindanao

From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 31, 2023): Military sees ‘total victory’ vs terrorists in Mindanao (By Victor Reyes)

ARMED Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr yesterday said the military is optimistic it will achieve “total victory” in the fight against terrorist groups in Mindanao this year.

In a radio interview, Brawner said there had been kidnap-for-ransom activity in the past two years due to intensified military operations against these terrorist organizations.

Brawner also said terrorists in Mindanao are no longer that many. He did not give figures but sources said the number could be in the range of 100 to 200.

“That’s why, as you can see, especially in the areas of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, it’s been more than two years now that we’ve not heard of any kidnap-for-ransom (incident),” said Brawner.

Several terrorist groups are operating in Mindanao, including the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for a number of kidnapping cases and even beheading of kidnap victims.

“There were many kidnap-for-ransom cases reported before. “In fact, many foreigners fell victim,” said Brawner.

“But for more than two years now, there are no more such incidents because of the military operations we are conducting. Many of them were neutralized. Many of them died but more of them surrendered,” said Brawner.

“That is why we are very optimistic that by the end of the year, we are going to defeat them, we will achieve total victory against all of these terrorist groups,” he said.

Last week, President Marcos Jr lifted the state of emergency national emergency in Mindanao. Former President Duterte placed Mindanao under a state of emergency in 2016 due to a spate of violent and lawless acts, including kidnappings and bombings, committed by different terrorist groups.

Brawner said soldiers will maintain presence in key areas in Mindanao to attain “sustainable peace.”

“We are not going to be satisfied with the neutralization of these threat groups. We have to sustain our gains. So what will happen is that soldiers will continue their presence in these area and contribute to the whole of nation approach (in achieving peace),” he said.

https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/military-sees-total-victory-vs-terrorists-in-mindanao/