Journalists moved to bigger military camp in Sulu amid Abu Sayyaf threat

From GMA News (Sep 1): Journalists moved to bigger military camp in Sulu amid Abu Sayyaf threat 

Journalists covering the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu were moved to a bigger military camp, given threat of attack from the group. In his report, aired on "News To Go" on Thursday morning,

GMA News' Jun Veneracion said the Armed Forces of the Philippines did this on Wednesday night despite a quiet situation there at the time.

Veneracion said they were just told that night to pack their things so they could move to Camp Teodulfo Bautista.

Journalists had previously been staying at the camp of the 35th Infantry Battalion. B/Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, was quoted in Veneracion's report as saying he just wanted to ensure the journalists' safety hence the move.

Media personnel covering military operations in Sulu have been staying at military camps since the kidnapping of journalists there.

The military also said the civilian community around the camp also fled from their homes, a practice done in the area whenever there is a possibility of an encounter.

Many of these residents are believed to be relatives of Abu Sayyaf members, and perceived to receive notice of an attack beforehand.

The quiet of Wednesday evening was disrupted when a cannon sounded off in the area, the "News To Go" report said. This was also part of the military operation against the Abu Sayyaf. Additional forces were also deployed by the Army, with a total of around 7,500 soldiers in the area. The number is expected to increase in the coming days.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/579739/news/regions/journalists-moved-to-bigger-military-camp-in-sulu-amid-abu-sayyaf-threat