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PHILIPPINES - The Armed Forces of the Philippines immediately slammed the appeal of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari to suspend the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group while negotiations is on-going to rescue the remaining kidnap victims.
According to AFP Spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, it is important to continue with the focused military operations while negotiations is on-going with the said rebel group.
Gen. Padilla insisted that in the past, they already gave in to Misuari’s appeal, which only strengthened the ASG’s force.
Padilla added that the military will only temporarily halt their operations if there will be a turnover of kidnap victims.
In line with this, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that he is leaving it up to the AFP commanders to decide regarding Misuari’s appeal.
In an ambush interview in Camp Aguinaldo, Lorenzana said that if they give in to the request of suspension of military operations, the Abu Sayyaf will only be given a breathing space to either escape or gain reinforcement.
“Sinabi ko na hini ko magagawa yan baka magkaroon ng breathing space ang ASG, at lalo sila lumaki. Kung meron sya (Misuari) negosasyon sa isang lugar o sitio o specific area doon ko lang ioorder pero hindi sa buong Jolo,” said Lorenzana.
Last week, seven hostage victims were released by the ASG with the help of Misuari, including Kjartan Sekkingstad.
Padilla believes that only a few Abu Sayyaf members remain and that they will continue with their military operations until they are able to pulverize all its members.
“Halos 481 sila bago nagkaroon ng sunod-sunod na engkwento, maaring mga 300 na lang sila ngayon,” added Padilla.
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