Spare civilians from retaliation, Sayyaf told

A Catholic bishop in Sulu province has expressed alarm over the possible backlash of the killing of Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad to civilians. An article on the Union of Asian Catholic News Web site said Jolo Bishop Angelito Lampon has appealed to the Abu Sayyaf to spare civilians from its retaliatory attacks. “We want to appeal to the humanitarian spirit of group members to please leave the civilians out of this because they are innocent," Lampon was quoted in the article as saying. The military on Monday said it is expecting the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf to avenge the death of Parad and five other members in a clash with marine troops Sunday in Maimbung town. “Inaasahan natin ang retaliation sa bahagi ng Abu Sayyaf, ito ay parte ng ating magiging preparation. Pero di pa nangyayari ito, kasama yan sa pinaghahanda nating seguridad," Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said in an interview on dwIZ radio. (We expect the Abu Sayyaf to retaliate. But we are prepared for it. Even before Sunday’s encounter, we have taken security measures that take this into consideration.) Parad was involved in kidnapping of three Red Cross volunteers last year and of an ABS-CBN news crew two years ago. The US government, meanwhile, lauded the Philippine military for its successful operation that resulted to the killing of Parad. “We congratulate the Armed Forces of the Philippines on this success. By thwarting [the Abu Sayyaf] criminal and terrorist activities, the AFP improves security for residents of the Southern Philippines, allowing them to move forward toward peace, prosperity and development," said embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson. Thompson, however, belied reports that the US has offered a $5-million reward for the capture of Parad. She declined to elaborate. - KBK, GMANews.TV