President Aquino: We Have Sufficient Forces to Stop Abu Sayyaf

President Benigno S. Aquino III said Monday the government has sufficient forces to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

“Ina-assure tayo ng ating militar at kapulisan na supisiyente ang ating mga pwersa para malipol itong mga masasamang-loob na ito,” President Aquino told reporters during an interview following the inauguration of Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines’ expanded plant in Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday disclosed that at least six members of the 64th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mompol, Libug village in Basilan province were killed after an encounter with 20 heavily armed members of the Abu Sayyaf. According to reports, the soldiers were guarding a road construction project when the incident occurred.

When asked if there is a need to tap the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to assist in operations against the Abu Sayyaf, the President replied that several battalions are pursuing the group’s estimated 400 members.

“Kapag several (battalions), hindi one or two, hindi three – several battalions composed of some of our most elite forces and the regular line infantry battalions, are going to all of these mountain lairs and very heavily wooded jungle and dense areas to precisely deprive them of (their) safe havens,” he said.

The President said that as a long-term solution to crush the militant group, the government is trying to bring progress to the region by constructing infrastructure, such as the long-delayed circumferential road in Basilan.

Image Credit: www.gov.ph