Maute, ASG warned: AFP to use full military might vs terrorists

In this March 7 photo, soldiers from the Marines capture a camp believed held by a local ISIS-inspired clan, the Maute group, in Lanao del Sur. —INQUIRER PHOTO

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday warned the Maute group that it would use its full military might if the terrorist group would continue to harass communities and disrupt people’s lives.

“Kung ano man ang karapat-dapat na gamitin (Whatever needs to be done), if we need to apply the full might of military power, which is what we are doing to solve this problem, then we will,” said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla at a Palace briefing.

The Maute group occupied the municipal hall of Butig, Lanao del Sur, and several other buildings and houses in the area on Nov. 24, but the military took control of the town days after engaging in a firefight with the terrorist group.

Despite the battle, Padilla said the AFP supported President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to talk with terrorist groups Maute as well as the Abu Sayyaf (ASG).

“So we all support any kind of initiative for peace and this initiative for peace that has been sounded off by the President has the support and backing of the Armed Forces,” Padilla said.

But while the AFP supports initiative to talk to Maute and other terrorist groups, Padilla said this should not be done at the expense of justice.

“Our only request is that we must not allow this at the expense of justice. Because those who have pending warrants or who were already sentenced in court must answer for the crimes they have committed,” he said.

“It’s better to have a dialogue than to fire at each other … But I’d like to emphasize, still, justice must be served,” he added.

Padilla said the AFP had not received any surrender feelers from the Maute group.

“Right off the bat I have to tell you we’re not yet talking to them. Not yet. The condition is makikipag-usap tayo sa kanila for as long as meron talaga silang pagnanais na magbagong buhay (we will talk to them for as long as there is genuine intention to change),” he said.

“But for the greater majority of the group who may have been duped or may have been confused in joining the group, this is an opportunity to bring out the white flag or send out feelers that you would like a new life,” he added.

Padilla said terrorist groups should not stretch the government’s patience.

“So may hangganan po ang pasensya ng pamahalaan, ng military at ng gobyerno. Pero dahil po sila ay kapwa Pilipino natin, sila po ay pinagbibigyan natin ng pagkakataon na magbagong buhay, na sumanib uli sa mainstream ng society at makiisa sa lahat ng Pilipino (The patience of the government and the military has limits. But because they’re our fellow Filipinos, we will give them a chance to turn over a new leaf, return to the mainstream society and unite with all Filipinos),” he said.

“Tandaan n’yo po ang sabi po ng mahal na Pangulo, noong siya ay bumisita, is huwag po siyang subukan (Remember what our beloved President said, when he visited, was never dare him) and don’t wait for the 25th hour and for the bells to toll, if I may quote. That’s what he exactly said,” Padilla added./rga