[PhilStar] The military Western Mindanao Command has gained new troops in its fight against the Abu Sayyaf with Philippine president Duterte's activation of a new Army division in Sulu.Westmincom spokesperson Gerry Besana said Duterte, accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, led the activation of the 11th Infantry ‘Alakdan’ (Scorpion) Division in Barangay Bus-Bus.
In his speech, the president said that the government does not want to be at war with its own people. He said, "Nobody wants this war. I hate it. I do not want to kill fellow Filipinos. I do not want government killing its own citizens."
Besana said the new division will he headed by Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo. Pabayo is currently the commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, which has been operating against the Abu Sayyaf.