The government continues to send more troops to Sulu to combat the bandit group Abu Sayaff.
The 63rd Infantry Batallion has deployed another augmentation force that is based in Lope de Vega.
The additional troops are composed of four companies and have a total of 297 soldiers and 14 officers.
The operations in areas not covered by the said troops will be carried out by the 43rd Infantry Batallion and several police personnel.
“We don’t see any signficant effect of this because we have already assessed the situation. And the Police Office Region 8 will also re-align forces to cover the gaps to create this full out of 63 I.B.,” Assistant Commander, BGen. Cesar Idio said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) says more or less 9,000 troops will enforce the search-and-destroy order of President Rodrigo Duterte against the Abu Sayaff in Jolo, Sulu.
Members of the Joint Sulu Task Force are now going after more than 400 regular members of the bandit group.
Meanwhile, the AFP also allays the fear over the possibility of an Abu Sayaff attack in some areas in Sulu.
AFP says it is just Abu Sayaff’s tactic to divert the focus of the military’s operation.
“This text is meant to divert our focus because they know the operation we are enforcing against them is strong. That’s why they’re using a diversionary tactic to divert our attention,” said AFP WESTMINCOM spokesperson, Maj. Filemon Tan.
The government has announced to intensify its crackdown on the ASG after the bandit group killed 15 soldiers during an encounter last Monday.
The killed troops were given military departure honors.
They were 2lt. Ernan Gusto, SSG. Ruel Catubay, CPl Dhendo Dujo, PFC. Gerald Yubal, PVT. Jona Lumayan, PFC. Rogelio Vincoy, PFC. Nestor Bacaling Jr., PFC. Roselito Arnoco, Sgt. Erwin Almohallas and PFC. Glend Resma.
Pres. Duterte has already vowed to provide asssitance to the families of the fallen soldiers. — Dante Amento | UNTV News & Rescue
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