MANILA 一 The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday expressed confidence that it is capable of meeting the six-month deadline imposed by Gen. Eduardo Año in eliminating the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) during his assumption of command last December.
“The AFP is right on track. We have achieved important milestones through deliberate military action backed by intense stakeholder engagements. Besides the neutralization of key terrorist leaders and other lawless elements, the number of firearms and IED (improvised explosive devices) recovered as well as the increasing number of surrenderees and those sending word of wanting to do so is a significant indicator that demoralization has seeped into the enemies ranks,” said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.
He was referring to the neutralization of ASG sub-leaders Muamar Askali alias “Abu Rami” and Alhabsy Misaya during focused military operations in Bohol and Sulu last April and massive numbers of surrenderees and their firearms in the Western Mindanao area during the past few weeks.
“And it won’t be long before we see their demise. All the AFP needs to do is see through the completion of its plans against these bandits,” he added.
During Año’s assumption as AFP chief, he ordered all military units to focus on the elimination of the ASG especially those assigned in the Western Mindanao area.
He added no efforts will be spared in the allocation of personnel and equipment so that the bandit group will be totally eliminated.