How AFP chief plans to transform Sulu

From ABS-CBN (Oct 30): How AFP chief plans to transform Sulu

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang wants to do what no one has done before—to transform Sulu from a "kidnapping capital" into one of the country's most developed provinces.

''One of his focus during his incumbency as chief of staff is to turnaround the image of Sulu,'' AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said on Wednesday. ''No one has done that. No one was able to turn around Sulu.''

Catapang replaced now-retired General Emmanuel Bautista last July and will be reaching the retirement age of 56 next year.

Asked how long will it take Catapang to transform Sulu, the AFP spokesperson said: ''Who knows, it might be done today (during the time of Catapang). Who knows, it may come before 2016.''

He said key to the AFP chief's plan to transform and develop Sulu is to end the problem on the Abu Sayyaf—a terrorist group made up of 300 to 400 member and notorious for its kidnapping, beheading, and bombing activities.

''Ending the problem on Abu Sayyaf is the way to spur development,'' said Cabunoc who also announced the deployment of more combat and non-combat soldiers to Sulu, which is considered as the terrorist group's bailiwick.

There are two Marines and Army brigades, roughly composed of at least 3,000 officers and men, currently deployed in Sulu.

These troops launched an operation against the Abu Sayyaf last Oct. 17, which the military said led to the release of two German captives later that day.

''There will be augmentation of forces following an initial assessment that there are gaps that should be filled up. There will be even a naval blockade. The Navy has committed to help in blocking their (Abu Sayyaf) escape,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Cabunoc said that the non-combat soldiers will be helping in the civil military operations (CMO) that seeks to win back the support of some residents.

''We are not only after combat operations in addressing this problem. We will combine CMO and law enforcement operation in addressing the Abu Sayyaf. This CMO will also focus on cutting their mass base support...address the problem on recruitment at the barangay level,'' he said.

He added that the military will also seek the support of Muslim religious leaders to explain and expound on the concept of Jihad.

''They will explain the concept of Jihad because the Abu Sayyaf is using the concept of Jihad. We are for a peaceful resolution of the problem,'' he said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/29/14/how-afp-chief-plans-transform-sulu