Military to pursue Abu Sayyaf bandits despite Ramadan—Palace aide

MANILA, Philippines – Military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group will continue despite the observance of the solemn Muslin fasting month of Ramadan, Malacañang said on Saturday.

“The President made it clear in his statement. The law enforcement operations will continue. The ASG is a terrorist group that has resorted to banditry,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a text message around noontime.

In a radio interview, Valte said Malacañang was aware of the traditional cessation of operations in line with Ramadan and indicated a need to balance the continuation of the operations and the religious observance.

“The President’s instructions were very clear that the operations wouldn’t stop, but again we understand that there’s the traditional [cessation of operations during] Ramadan. I think that is something that the [military] leadership has to take up with the President,” Valte said.

“Let’s see how that can be carried out and balanced with the fact that Ramadan is already about to start, if we are not mistaken on Monday,” she added.