The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has assured that its operation against the terrorist group in Sulu is unaffected by the recent shooting incident by police personnel.
Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay has initially stated that before the intelligence operatives were gunned down, the soldiers were chasing a suspected suicide bomber.
According to AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr., they will not stop hunting down the said terrorist.
“Security in Jolo is still tight making sure that the terrorist will not be given any chance to do terroristic act.” Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. has added.
Meanwhile, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has pointed out that the soldiers have a backup intelligence team for the operation.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson PBGen. Bernard Banac said that the PNP is prepared to help the AFP in this endeavor.
“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ibibigay na suporta ng PNP. Magiging katuwang pa rin ng AFP ang PNP sa pagtugis sa mga pinaghihinalaang suspect ng terorismo sa bahaging yan ng Western Mindanao (The PNP will continue to give support. The PNP will still be AFP’s partner in the pursuit of suspected terrorists in that part of Western Mindanao).” Report from Bea Bernardo
