Tabak official cites vital role of stakeholders in the campaign against ASG

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 26): Tabak official cites vital role of stakeholders in the campaign against ASG

Stakeholders play a vital role in the government’s ongoing intensified campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu and Bohol.

In a press conference held at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an here, Colonel Cirilo Tomas P. Donato, assistant division commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division stressed the importance of cooperation of the locals in maintaining peace and security in the region.

Donato said the cooperation of the stakeholders in providing information about the presence of the ASGs in the villages is of utmost importance.

The ASG is a small Jihadist terror group based in Jolo and Basilan islands and known for beheadings, kidnappings, bombings and extortion in the south.

It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte intensified his campaign against the militants after the group was blamed for a spate of abductions in the Philippine coast and bombings in Davao City which killed 14 people and injured 67 others.

Donato said stakeholders, law enforces, civilians and community partnerships have been viewed as critical to preventing terrorism and terror related acts performed by the ASG.

“To effectively protect the nation’s infrastructure from the bandits, we must work collaboratively,” Donato urged.

The military official is optimistic that the problem of insurgency and kidnapping in Mindanao will be solved with the active support and cooperation of the stakeholders.

“We need the active support and cooperation of all our stakeholders, the civilians and the community in our area to address the problem of insurgency in the region,” he added

“The focused military operations against the ASG will continue to rescue the remaining hostages,” Donato said adding that President Duterte ordered the AFP to finish the ASG within six months.

Meanwhile, the command lauded the joint troops of 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army and tactical operations units of the Philippine Air Force for the success of their 3-day combat operations which resulted to the killing of 36 members of the Maute group, seizure and occupation of the enemy’s encampment and recovery of IED materials in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur over the weekend.

BGen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista said the success is the result of a nonstop collaboration and partnership with the military, LGUs and populace in the collective battle against terrorism, banditry and criminality.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371493179096/tabak-official-cites-vital-role-of-stakeholders-in-the-campaign-against-asg