Military seeks more money to pursue operations vs MILF
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:09:00 09/06/2008
Filed Under: Unrest, Conflicts & War
MANILA, Philippines -- A military official said Saturday the renewed war against the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mindanao was "using up military resources" and the Armed Forces would have to ask for more money.
"Conducting operations are costly," said Brigadier General Jorge Segovia, acting chief of the Armed Forces command center, at a forum at the Sulo Hotel.
Segovia said the Armed Forces would request more money from the House committee on defense for the purchase of transport planes, helicopters, vehicles, and communication equipment, among others.
He could not give figures on military expenses for operations against the MILF commanders who attacked communities in North Cotabato, Lanao Del Norte, and Sarangani after the aborted signing of the Memorandum on Agreement on Ancestral Doman early last month.
"What we know is it's using up our resources," said Segovia, barely a month after renewed fighting erupted.
"We are submitting to the legislature a wish list that will give us the capability to confront the situation," he told reporters after the forum.
"We have three basic needs to engage (the enemy): shoot, move, and communicate. Definitely, the wish list would include these needs," he said.
The military operations are focused on capturing three commanders said to be responsible for the attacks -- Ameril Ombra Kato and Abdullah Macapaar and Aleem Sulaiman Pangalian.
The attacks and counter-offensives have left 62 civilians dead and displaced 200,000, according to government figures.
Segovia voiced hope that the operation against the MILF commanders would not turn into a drawn-out conflict.
"Our objective is to finish this as quickly as possible, although this is easier said than done because the situation on the ground is dynamic. We're aware that this affects our economy and international perception," he said.
According to the military, guerrillas under the three MILF commanders have splintered into smaller groups, raising the possibility of more ambushes.
"We will adapt to the situation. That is a challenge. We will need to change our tactics. It would have been easier if they were in one place," Segovia said.
At the height of the government war against Islamic secessionists in the 1970s, unofficial reports said the government was spending up to P1 million a day.
The Moro rebels were reported to have been financed by sympathizers in the Middle East and other Islamic countries.
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