MANILA — Despite the recent flare-up in Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) atrocities, government forces remain committed in neutralizing the terrorists.
This was emphasized by Col. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, when asked if they consider it ironic that the terrorists have managed to kidnap six civilians and kill six soldiers despite the ongoing operations against them.
“There is no irony there, he (AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero) remains true to his focus in neutralizing the ASG, it does not mean automatically that we focus on a threat group, it will immediately go away. The recent incidents show that the ASG is still a force to reckon with,” Arevalo said in Filipino.
Also, these atrocities will further fuel the desire of AFP units tasked to crush the terrorists decisively and quickly.
“Their intent is to show other supporters and sympathizers that they can still fight against the government and gain support and sympathy,” Arevalo stressed.
But this is a tragic miscalculation as these incidents would only push troops hunting them to complete their task at the soonest possible time, the AFP official added. (PNA)
