More active role sought for PNP, Navy, Coast Guard in anti-terror drive

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BY VICTOR REYES and JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

ARMED Forces chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay yesterday sought a more active role for the Navy, Coast Guard and the PNP in the campaign against terrorism following the August 24 suicide bombings in Jolo, Sulu, which left 17 people dead and 74 others injured.

Interviewed at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio after the commemoration of the National Heroes Day, Gapay said the three agencies should beef up maritime security around Sulu, a bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf which is behind the suicide bombings.

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“Our border security, our maritime security there, we have to beef up. That’s why we are calling on the Coast Guard in tandem with our Navy, (Maritime Group) of the PNP to work together to secure our maritime borders, coastlines,” said Gapay.

Gapay made the call after President Duterte said the bombings strengthened the government’s resolve to crush lawless elements behind the incident and other extremist acts.

The President flew to Jolo on Sunday and paid respect to those who died in the explosions.

He lighted a candle, offered flowers and kissed the ground for the lives that were “snuffed out for no reason at all.”

“I stand in solidarity with you as we honor the memory of your comrades, my soldiers, who gave their lives in the name of peace here in Sulu. The recent bombings that took the lives of several civilians including those of your fellow soldiers will only further strengthen our resolve to crush the lawless elements behind this cowardly act,” he said.

Gapay said the Coast Guard, Navy and the PNP should also secure waterways which he said are being used as “maneuver space” by the terrorists.

Gapay also called for more stringent regulations on the sale of ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer used by terrorists to manufacture improvised bombs.

“We have to monitor them, those who are buying them, transporting them in big quantities,” said Gapay, adding the intelligence community will have to also look into the logistics and support system of the terrorist group.

Military estimates place the strength of the Abu Sayyaf at about 300 men, mostly in Sulu where two female suicide bombers blew themselves up on Monday last week, also killing eight soldiers, six civilians and a policemen and injuring 74 others.

The two suicide bombers were reportedly “motivated” by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan to conduct the suicide bombings. Troops clashed with Sawadjaan’s group in Patikul town on Saturday, leaving two of his men and a soldier dead.

Sawadjaan evaded the pursuing troops. Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) based in Zamboanga City, on Sunday said Sawadjaan would not be able to leave Patikul “because we have a lot of troops there.”

Yesterday, reports quoted the Zamboanga City police as saying it has received information that Sawadjaan and two others are in Central Mindanao.

PUBLIC SUPPORT

Gapay reiterated his appeal for public support, admitting it is hard to combat terrorism. The military is aiming to end the Abu Sayyaf problem before the end of President Duterte’s term in June 2022.

“We’ve seen really how hard it is to combat terrorism. They are operating in very loose organization and usually they work in very small groups, sometimes individual, which we call lone wolf,” he said.

Gapay said the terrorism problem has to be addressed “comprehensively and holistically.”

“That’s why I have been calling for the past few days for the support of the general public, of our fellow Filipinos, other agencies in our fight against terrorism. It’s really hard (to combat terrorism),” he said.

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“It’s a multi-dimensional problem which would need really the concerted effort of everyone.

Besides, security is a shared responsibility by all of us. That’s why the security sector should be supported by the LGUs. They know their constituents in Sulu for example,” he added.

Duterte said the Jolo bombings show no one should be complacent when dealing with terrorists who attacked at a time when the country is occupied with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Duterte said the pandemic has already put an added burden on the Armed Forces but the country must continue to depend on the soldiers in ensuring the security and safety of the people and the country.

“Now, more than ever our nation needs our Armed Forces to ensure that these terrorists will never succeed in their pointless goals. By choosing to fight for your country here in Sulu, you honor the ultimate sacrifice of your fellow soldiers and the countless others who fought before you,” he said.

He said he is humbled by the AFP’s commitment, inspired by their patriotism and grateful for their continued support.

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