AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. and Wesmincom chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero at a command conference at the 2nd Marine Brigade Headquarters in Sulu on Sunday, Oct. 12. FRANCES MANGOSING/ INQUIRER.net
SULU, Philippines – No less than Armed Forces chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. visited this province, a hotbed of Islamic militants, a few days before the deadline of the Abu Sayyaf bandits to behead one of their two German captives unless their demands are met.
“So nandito tayo to assess the situation and of course to address the kidnapping incidents here in Sulu. Nagpunta ako dito to look into the new formation or assignment of troops, pati aso pinadala na natin dito sa lugar,” Catapang told soldiers in his speech at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu’s capital.
“We have even let the dogs out.”
Abu Sayyaf earlier threatened to behead one of their two German captives believed to be held in Sulu by Oct. 17 if the P250-million (USD $5.62 million) ransom is not paid. They also demanded that Germany withdraw their support for the US-led campaign against the Islamic state.
Catapang said the German captives are being transferred frequently by the militants to different areas in Indanan and Patikul.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has received no confirmation on the reported Abu Sayyaf’s connections with the IS.
Videos and photos recently appeared online showing the Abu Sayyaf’s allegiance to IS. The military however said this was simply a show of support.
The Al-Qaeda-linked militants are scattered in various southern parts of Mindanao including Sulu and believed to be holding 12 civilians, including five foreigners. They were associated with the worst terror attacks, bombings and kidnappings in the country.
“We have to put a closure because yung agony nung mga tao, kung tayo nasa lugar nila, for the longest time, parang there’s no hope, but for the kidnappers, abductors, na i-release na lang through a negotiation, kung kinakailangan mag-negotiate, we are asking the crisis management council to do something for those who were kidnapped,” Catapang later told reporters.
Catapang also met with top military officials in Sulu in a closed-door conference.
As part of its security efforts, the military recently deployed about 1,500 soldiers and several K9 units in Sulu “to flush out” terrorists.”
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