ARMM chiefs want ‘full-scale assault’ against Abu Sayyaf

Abu Sayyaf Group (Screengrab from the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups’ video)

MANILA – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) chief executive Mujiv Hataman and Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu expressed support to government security forces and urged them to apply the full extent of the law against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Hataman and Mangudadatu backed President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s order to launch a full-scale assault and intensify sanctions against the extremist militants, reportedly hiding in Sulu and other parts of Southern Mindanao.

Both local leaders also stood firm against ISIS and condemned recent violent attacks, including the bombing and shooting in Paris this month. They asserted that Islam was a ‘religion of peace’ and the extremist group was ‘actually acting outside the ambits of the religion.’

Mangudadatu further explained that ‘jihad’ (holy war) only allowed armed men to struggle when ‘one’s life, family, country, religion and property is under threat by enemy.’ He noted that this did not translate to terrorism.

In the Philippines, Malaysian Bernard Then Ted Fed was beheaded this month after the multi-million peso ransom was not given to ASG; while three foreigners in Samal Island have been abducted and held captive also recently.

“No Muslim in any part of the Philippines are being threatened or deprived of his life, family, property, religious freedom or community,” the Maguindanao Governor said in a Manila Bulletin report, reiterating his call for all-out defensives against the extremist group.