New army unit to address security concerns in Sulu

From the Sun Star-Davao (Feb 1, 2019): New army unit to address security concerns in Sulu

TO ADDRESS security concerns in Sulu, a top official of the Philippine Army said the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division has been formed.

The new unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be strengthened through deployment of additional AFP personnel to eliminate the presence of terrorist groups in the area.
Lieutenant General Alberto Macairog, commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA), said that this newly-activated unit of the AFP is envisioned to pave the way for peace in Sulu since additional forces will be sent there to fight against terrorist groups.

“Pinapalakas natin ‘yon para magkaroon ng stability at peace ang Sulu. That’s why ‘yong utos ng Presidente na buuin ang 11th Infantry Division. Ang intention doon ay patahimikin, maging maayos at maunlad ang Sulu,” Macairog said.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military in Sulu to wage an all-out war against Abu Sayyaf Group who was pointed to be behind the recent bombings in the southern part of the country.

Earlier, two explosions at a Catholic church in Jolo left 21 dead and more than 80 wounded.

Alberto said that they already identified the Abu Sayyaf group as behind the terror attack as this group also pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS). But as to the details, he refused to spill it as their investigation is still ongoing.

In Zamboanga grenade explosion, the AFP is still determining the group behind the incident which happened at the mosque at Sitio Logoy Diutay, Barangay Talon-talon.

However, the AFP is not discounting the possibility that the ASG is still behind the deadly grenade attack to spur religious tension between the Christians and Muslims.

“Mukhang ang nangyari sa Zamboanga, gusto nilang guluhin ang lugar kaya silang grupo na yon ang gumawa,” Macairog added.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1785729/Davao/Local-News/New-army-unit-to-address-security-concerns-in-Sulu