Best soldiers, equipment to be used vs Abu Sayyaf

From Malaya (Jan 23): Best soldiers, equipment to be used vs Abu Sayyaf

ARMED Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año told ground commanders in Sulu to display their “highest degree of commandership” as he relayed his new timeline of six months within which to defeat the lawless Abu Sayyaf group.

Año issued the call during a visit of military units in Sulu, an Abu Sayyaf bailiwick, on Wednesday last week, Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP’s public affairs office, said yesterday.

Arevalo said Año also vowed to put the “best officers, enlisted personnel, and equipment” on the ground to accomplish the mission. Año’s predecessor, now retired Gen. Ricardo Visaya, also aimed to defeat the Abu Sayyaf during his term but failed.

Asked if additional forces will be deployed to Sulu, Arevalo said there is no need because there are enough soldiers on the ground. There are about 7,500 soldiers operating in Sulu. There are some 300 to 400 Abu Sayyaf men operating in Sulu and Basilan, according to the military.

Año set the new deadline last January 6. He also wants the other lawless groups – the Maute Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters -- ended in six months.

Arevalo said Año gave “inputs” on how to end the Abu Sayyaf to Brig. Gen. Jesus Mananquil, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu. He declined to elaborate as he said these are operational in nature.

With Año during the Sulu visit were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, and Navy chief Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado, among others.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/best-soldiers-equipment-be-used-vs-abu-sayyaf