Military solution not enough to crush Abu Sayyaf – AFP

Lt Col Harold “Harry” M Cabunoc (Inf) PA. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Military on Tuesday admitted that the exchange of firepower was not the sole solution in the eradication of the Abu Sayyaf problem in Mindanao.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Chief, said they would support the government’s multi-thronged approach in dealing with the Islamic rebel group.

“We will support the government in their efforts, we believe that military solution alone could not address the problem,” Cabunoc said.

“Stopping the Abu Sayyaf as a whole is not easy, it’s a challenge, a huge challenge.”

He added that addressing the threat that was the Abu Sayyaf would begin in the grassroots level, finding out what the reason was behind why there was radicalization in the region.

“Why are they radicalized, someone has to address radicalization, why are they lacking income opportunities, someone has to look into it,” Cabunoc said.

On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III said that the government would “wipeout” the Abu Sayyaf group.

Aquino’s statements came after the Abu Sayyaf killed six soldiers who were guarding a road project in Basilan.

RELATED STORIES

6 soldiers killed in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Basilan

20 soldiers wounded in clash with Sayyaf in Basilan

AFP claims 18 Sayyaf men killed in Basilan clash

Former Abu Sayyaf ‘child soldier’ gunned down in Basilan