Defense department to focus on neutralizing Abu Sayyaf

THE Department of National Defense will focus on neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf under the incoming Duterte administration.

“Yun ang utos ng bagong Presidente, i-address ang Abu Sayyaf immediately, at least ma-neutralize,” incoming Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters on Wednesday.

He said the Abu Sayyaf problem has been affecting the Philippines economically.

“Yung coal natin from Indonesia wala na tayong delivery. We only have limited supply of coal, pag naubos na ang supply, wala na tayong power, ‘di ba? So immediate yan,” he said.

The moratorium on coal shipments to the Philippines has been extended until there is a guarantee of security from the Philippine government that it can secure its waters against the bandits, wire reports said.

Seven Indonesian sailors onboard a coal tugboat were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu Sea this month, the latest on a string of abductions by the terror group known for their kidnap-for-ransom activities.

Lorenzana said there are plans in place to go after the Abu Sayyaf but they have yet to hold meetings once they assume their positions. He will be sworn in on Thursday as part of the Duterte administration.

“The negotiations will still be there to recover the hostages, but there will also be massive operations to get the kidnappers,” he said.

The military will also assist the police in Duterte’s anti-crime campaign.

“We will assist the police sa malawakang operations against criminality, especially drug pushers. Kung kailangan ng warm bodies mag-support kami, depende sa request,” he said.