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| Southeast Asia |
| Hunt to destroy Abu Sayyaf gang |
| 2002-06-10 |
| Three more battalions were deployed yesterday to reinforce the forces already on the trail of the Abu Sayyaf on the islands of Basilan and Jolo and the province of Zamboanga Del Norte on Mindanao. Mrs Arroyo said US troops deployed in the Philippines to train and assist the local military fight the Abu Sayyaf might be upgraded and be more involved in operations. But she did not say if they would get into combat situations, though there are suggestions here now that they might enter the jungles with the Philippine troops. The Philippine troops can do it themselves, given support and leadership. They're not the greatest army in the world, but their motto could be "We're not as bad as some people say." Maj Gen Ernesto Caroline said the rebels were more vulnerable after the loss of their hostages. 'We have broken the Abu Sayyaf backbone. They are now running, they are splintered, demoralised,' he said. And they don't have any hostages to hide behind... The Abu Sayyaf group is now reduced to less than 100 fighters from the more than 1,000 it had a year ago. Which would be its hardest core... As part of the new three-pronged offensive, Army scout rangers are in hot pursuit of the group leader Abu Sabaya, who fled deeper into a jungle in Zamboanga del Norte after Friday's shootout with government troops. Gen Caroline said separate contingents were hunting down commander Khaddazy Janjalani on Jolo island and commander Isnilan Hapilon on Basilan. I'd be surprised if all three are actually caught, and I'll be disappointed if at least one isn't caught. With this lot especially, it's in the Good Guys' interests to be merciless. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |