AFP to use ‘shock and awe’ tactics vs Abu Sayyaf

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) plans to use the “shock and awe” military strategy in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu.

“There will be shock and awe but I don’t want to go to specifics kasi strategy and tactics ito,” newly-installed AFP chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya revealed on Monday.

In military parlance, shock and awe is the use of overwhelming force and firepower to defeat the enemy.

There are currently 11 battalions deployed in Sulu — a combination of Army and Marines soldiers — going after the terror group.

Visaya said he expects to see results by the end of July.

“May results ‘yan, makikita niyo (There will be results, you will see). It will be a different approach,” said the AFP chief, who hopes to visit Sulu by the weekend.

The possibility of declaring martial law in Sulu and Basilan is still being studied, he said.

Visaya earlier said that martial law in the two island provinces as a response to the kidnapping activities is an option.

READ: Martial law an option in Jolo, Basilan–incoming AFP chief

When he assumed his post as AFP chief last Friday, Visaya said the military will be “unrelenting” in their focused military operations against the Abu Sayyaf and other terrorist groups.

The Abu Sayyaf currently holds about a dozen hostages, mostly brought to Sulu area. JE/rga

READ: Abu Sayyaf: We are going to behead Norwegian hostage

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