Sen. Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV. INQUIRER.net file photo
Now is the time to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said on Thursday.
“Malaking perhuwisyo na ang idinulot ng paghahasik ng lagim ng Abu Sayyaf sa ating bansa. Naapektuhan na nito ang ating imahe na nagdulot ng malaking epekto sa turismo, ekonomiya at maging sa pamumuhay sa ilang bahagi ng Mindanao,” Aquino said in a statement.
(Abu Sayyaf’s offenses have greatly damaged our country. They have destroyed our image and affected our tourism industry, the economy, and even the livelihood of those in Mindanao.)
“Panahon na upang gawin ang lahat ng nararapat na aksiyon upang mapulbos na ang bandidong grupo sa lalong madaling panahon,” he added.
(It’s high time we do every necessary action to reduce this group of bandits to a pulp immediately.)
Mr. Aquino said he would support any move of the incumbent and incoming administrations against the Abu Sayyaf bandits as long as it was in accordance with the law.
“Subalit sa pagkilos na ito, dapat unahing bantayan ang kapakanan ng sibilyan na posibleng maipit sa labanan,” said the senator.
(We must, however, first consider the safety of the civilians who might be caught in crossfire.)
Mr. Aquino issued the statement as the ASG reportedly threatened to execute another hostage should it fail to get the P600 million-ransom it demands.
READ: Another beheading looms
The bandits had already beheaded two of its hostages, who are both Canadian — Robert Hall and John Ridsdel.
READ: Abu Sayyaf kills another Canadian hostage as deadline lapses
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he would not object to the idea of placing under martial law those areas that are being controlled by the Abu Sayyaf.
“I have no objections. I will agree,” Sotto said at a forum in the Senate Wednesday.
He also condemned the beheadings of the hostages.
“I condemn it. It is an act of cowardice. Matatapang lang ‘yun kasi sila ang may mga baril at saka nakatali. Wala akong bilib sa mga pumapatay na nakatali ‘yung mga kamay. ‘Di ‘yun ang mtatatapang,” added Sotto.
(I condemn it. It is an act of cowardice. They are only brave because they have guns and their hostages were tied. I am not impressed by those who kill people who can’t fight. Those are not brave people.) IDL/rga
READ: Sotto on beheading of Canadian hostage: ‘Act of cowardice’
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