Round-the-clock offensive vs Abu Sayyaf launched

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Government forces launched a round-the-clock, intensified law enforcement operation in Basilan against the Abu Sayyaf group.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said the move came after the local officials declared its support to crush the extremist group.

Catapang visited Basilan Friday morning and assessed troops' operations against the Abu Sayyaf. He also later met with Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman and the 13 mayors of the province who presented their manifesto of support for the campaign against the militants.

Catapang said that at least five battalions of soldiers with specialized units are pursuing the Abu Sayyaf.

RELATED: AFP chief says Sayyaf 'money' used to lure supporters

"We want 24-hour operations, because we are trying to develop a capability that if you fight us or you destroy the peace we will fight you [for] 24 hours [a day] with our night fighting capability," Catapang said in an inteview with reporters after a closed door dialogue with the Basilan mayors and Hataman at the Western Mindanao Command.

The operations were launched since the ambush and killing of six soldiers last Sunday. The campaign includes the establishment of checkpoints along roads in key areas.

Catapang, however, allayed fears of any collateral damage the operations may cause, saying that it only involves an intensified enforcement of the law through the serving of outstanding arrest warrants against the armed extremists.

The AFP chief also said he is confident that soldiers will conduct themselves with discipline and protect the rights and safety of civilians.

"What is good here [is that] the local government units are with us now as they also want to reclaim peace," Catapang added.