DND mulls transfer of another infantry division to Sulu

In line with ongoing efforts to crush the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is looking at the possibility of transferring another infantry division to Jolo, Sulu. (Photo: Delfin Lorenzana/Facebook)

MANILA—In line with ongoing efforts to crush the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is looking at the possibility of transferring another infantry division to Jolo, Sulu.

He noted that the ASG bandits reoccupy an area taken over by the military when the latter leaves the said area.

Lorenzana said residents of the locality wants the military to set up permanent presence in Sulu as a counter-measure against the ASG threat.

Meanwhile, the DND chief said he met with his Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts to discuss measures to prevent kidnappings from the three nations’ common maritime areas.

As of this posting, 31 hostages are still being held by the ASG, majority of them Malaysian and Indonesian seafarers.

The DND chief added that they have plans to create a task force that will be based in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi to be headed by a two-star general.

He added that they plan to deploy more fast crafts, ships, aircraft and drones to help patrol the area.