Military in Sulu bracing for more Sayyaf attacks

Last Monday’s ambush by the Abu Sayyaf bandits that killed eight Marine personnel had prompted the military in the southern Philippine province of Sulu to exercise extra caution especially in traveling by land. “Medyo umiiwas na kami sa vehicular movement sa ngayon. Kung sila ay magrere-supply, tsina-chopper na muna namin," said Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command. (We are limiting our vehicular movement. We are now using choppers to bring supplies to our units.) He also said they have fortified some possible targets in the province - including military installations - to prevent such attacks by the Abu Sayyaf, a loosely organized band of Islamic fundamentalists with links to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist network. “We are now exercising greater security measures to avoid a repeat (of the ambush). We are hardening up isolated detachments," said Dolorfino.

To assist them, the official said they have deployed civilian emergency forces to "enhance our internal defense" especially in Jolo, a known bailiwick of the bandits. “So starting yesterday [Monday] afternoon, we have deployed civilian emergency force [members] in Jolo so that they [terrorists] won’t be able to enter Jolo," he said. Members of the 4th Marine Battalion Landing Team were headed back to their base from a seized Abu Sayyaf camp in Indanan town when attacked by the bandits. One of the eight Marine fatalities was an officer identified as 2nd Lt. Benhur Mudjilon, who was posthumously conferred with the Gold Cross medal for his bravery in leading his men to stand their ground during the ambush. Dolorfino, citing intelligence reports, said the bandit group’s sub-leader, Ustadz Muktar, reportedly a cousin of senior Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, was among the 15 fatalities on the enemy side. - GMANews.TV