Civilian cooperation needed in beating terror threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26): Civilian cooperation needed in beating terror threats

While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is willing to use all-out force in obliterating the Abu Sayyaf Group and other terror threats in Mindanao, all these efforts will be in vain if the military fails to get the support of the populace and communities in the region.

This was stressed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a statement Wednesday.

"But while (AFP chief-of-staff) Gen. (Eduardo) Año is mustering the support of the men and women of the AFP in this focused combat operations backed by intelligence and non-lethal operations and activities, he continues to harness the support of the populace," he added.

Arevalo said the struggle against terror groups can be best won with the abiding support of the people.

The AFP public affairs office chief added that Año's decision to employ a two-pronged approach against the ASG, one militarily and one seeking community assistance and support, is in-line with the latter's self-imposed six month deadline to beat the bandit group into total submission.

"Supporters and sympathizers have to heed the higher call – which is to put premium to security and development for the good of the greater number," Arevalo concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=958322