Army pursuit of Abu Sayyaf to continue during Ramadan

Pursuit operations against Abu Sayyaf thugs who killed at least seven soldiers in an encounter in Sulu on July 28 will go on even during the holy month of Ramadan, Malacañang said Saturday. But deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the military will “strike a balance" between carrying out President Benigno Aquino III’s order and respecting the observance of Ramadan. “The president’s instructions were very clear. Hindi titigil ang operations. But we understand there is a [tradition], dahil Ramadan, that is something the leadership has to take up with the president. Tingnan natin how his order can be carried out," Valte said on government radio dzRB. Ramadan starts on Monday, August 1. At least seven soldiers were killed in an encounter with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu last Thursday. Some of the soldiers were reportedly beheaded. Last Friday night, Aquino condemned the killing of the soldiers even as he asked the Filipino people to “pause in silent tribute" to the latest in the “roster of selfless men and women who have given their utmost for our country." “I condemn these atrocities that are meant to put pressure on the peace process – to derail our efforts to counteract the causes of banditry, rebellion, and terrorism. Let me be very clear: those who want neither peace nor progress are the ones who perpetrated this dastardly act," Aquino said in a statement. Aquino also said the Abu Sayyaf, which killed the soldiers in the predawn encounter in Patikul town in Sulu, are now “number one on (his) radar." “Mark my words: To those of you who perpetrated this atrocity, know that you are now number one on my radar. It might take some time, but make no mistake about it – you will be brought to justice to answer for your crimes," he said. When asked if the government will intensify operations in Sulu, Valte said the President's “instructions were very clear. (Pursuit) operations are to continue until... lahat sila mahuli (they are all caught)," she said. On the other hand, Valte indicated the government is not changing its stance in not talking peace with the Abu Sayyaf, which it considers a terrorist-bandit group. The Abu Sayyaf is believed to have ties to the Jemaah Islamiyah and Al-Qaeda terrorist networks. Valte said Aquino wants peace and development efforts in Mindanao, not negotiation with the Abu Sayyaf. “Hindi tayo nakikipagusap sa terorista pero liliit ang mundo nila kung walang sumusuporta sa kanila. They will be outdated pag nagkaroon ng progreso sa lugar na ito," she said. Meanwhile, Valte belied speculations Aquino issued his statement late Friday night because he was informed late about the encounter. She said Aquino had been informed early but had asked for “details" before issuing his statement. Besides, she said she and presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda had also given statements on the matter earlier. “The making of the statement is not always the first concern in instances like this," she added. — LBG/HS, GMA News