50% of AFP’s naval, air assets deployed to crush Abu Sayyaf

From Update.Ph (Oct 6): 50% of AFP’s naval, air assets deployed to crush Abu Sayyaf

Half of the naval and air assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were deployed to Mindanao with mission to crush the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. This was revealed by AFP Chief-of-Staff General Ricardo R. Visaya during his command visit to the Palawan-based Western Command (WESCOM) Wednesday, October 5.

“With regards to the status on crushing the Abu Sayyaf, more than 50% of our naval and air assets were deployed in Mindanao and for the past two months, there were approximately 62 bandits killed in Basilan and Jolo,” General Visaya said.

“There were also 21 surrenderers in Basilan and from 26 kidnapped victims, it is now downgraded to 12. The unceasing effort and contribution of the branches of service particularly the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army came up with successful operations,” General Visaya added.

Amid the numerous problems that the country is facing at present, General Visaya anticipates a diplomatic and progressive nation in the near future.

He also mentioned the guidance of the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Among the President’s guidance are: crash of Abu Sayyaf which was the reason for realignment of some of the forces and military assets in Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM); to assist the PNP and PDEA in their anti-illegal drug campaign; and the government is supporting peace negotiation with the communists leaders.

http://www.update.ph/2016/10/50-of-afps-naval-air-assets-deployed-to-crash-abu-sayyaf/10083