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Saturday, September 29, 2007
Soldier wounded in Sayyaf attack in Sulu
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A member of the Philippine Army was wounded in an attack staged by the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group in the hinterland of Sulu, where offensive operations continue against the terrorist group.
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Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer Major Eugenio Batara Jr. said the attack took place around 1 a.m. Friday in Barangay Tandu Patung, Maimbung.
Batara said the soldiers from the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion and 22nd Division Reconnaissance Company were on security duty at the patrol base when undetermined number of bandits staged the attack.
He said the attackers withdrew when the troops returned fire. A soldier, whose identity was not immediately available, was injured.
Ramadan
The Westmincom official said the incident was a clear indication that the terrorist group is not at all observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“Instead they are the ones who are creating havoc and trying to disrupt the peaceful observance of the religious endeavor considered by our Muslim brothers as the holiest time of the Islamic calendar and where they are called to fast and do a month-long of prayer and self cleansing,” said Batara.
He noted that the Abu Sayyaf had been using religion to advocate their group but is often seen to interpret the teachings of Islam in their group’s favor.
However, their barbaric acts and acts of terrorism were all based on wrong interpretation of the Koran, according to Batara.
He urged the peace-loving citizens to join hands in order to stop the Abu Sayyafs who had advocated terrorism and violence.
“It has been a long time since these Abu Sayyafs have been creating undue violence and fear in this part of the country,” he said.
“We, therefore, enjoin every concerned individual to help in our fight against terrorism in order to attain lasting peace and development in Mindanao,” he added.
Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. earlier said the offensive against the Abu Sayyaf is being done selectively so as not to disturb the Month of Fast “by our peace-loving brothers.” (Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (September 29, 2007 issue)
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