Tuesday, September 02, 2008 Military launches offensive in Sulu
THE military has launched a pursuit operation against the attackers, who were believed to be Abu Sayyaf bandits, last Saturday in Sulu.
Joint Task Force Comet (JTFC) chief Major General Juancho Sabban said the military operation does not 'disrespect' the observance of Ramadan on Monday.
It is however a pursuit of justice against a group that scorns the tenets of Islam and defies the rule of law.
"It is imperative for our troops to ascertain that there shall be no recurrence of such incident. Many of our Marines are also Muslims, who faithfully observe Ramadan too," Sabban said.
"We cannot allow more attacks from these delinquents to cause more ruin to the relative peace that Sulu is now enjoying," he added.
Using small arms and mortars, a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits attacked Saturday morning the troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-11 (MBLT-11) in Bonbon village, Patikul.
The troops fought back and the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes, resulting to the death of four marine soldiers and 10 injured.
Five of the 10 injured soldiers were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City while the other five, who are in critical condition, were brought to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) medical center in Quezon City.
Sabban said the Abu Sayyaf attackers "must not be allowed to use and seek protection under Ramadan as shield to their atrocity."
"Such decision (launching offensive) was taken to secure the people from any threats posed by the lawless elements who will possibly take advantage of the month-long observance of Ramadan as they do not heed or respect any religion," Sabban added.
He condemns such devious tactic of the Abu Sayyaf who instigated hostilities two days before the observance of Ramadan.
The offensive that was launched is a calibrated military operation as a due course for law enforcement, according to Sabban.
He said they have been in constant dialogue with the Imams and Ulamas for better understanding and to prevent any situation that may be interpreted as disregard to Muslim tradition. (Bong Garcia)
