AFP chief orders sustained combat vs Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines – As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) grieves for its fallen comrades, Gen. Hernando Iriberri ordered his field commanders to sustain operations against the bandit group Abu Sayyaf.

Iriberri, AFP chief of staff, also instructed Joint Task Group-Basilan chief Col. Rolando Bautista to take care of more than 50 wounded soldiers and the needs of the families of the 18 who were killed.

Along with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Iriberri flew to Zamboanga early yesterday to assess the situation and salute the wounded and slain fighters for their gallantry.

All the wounded soldiers were transported to Camp Navarro Hospital inside the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City.

The AFP chief said the soldiers fought gallantly and displayed the finest traditions of soldiery with utmost valor despite all the odds along their way.

“We shall continue the fight. We will take inspiration (from) their exemplary service. Our soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice so that the people of Basilan will be free from terrorists,” Iriberri declared.

Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said the fatalities were either from Zamboanga, Pagadian, Basilan or Jolo.

“All those who were killed are from Mindanao. Some of them are our Muslim brothers,” Detoyato said in Filipino.

The military has been launching focused military operations in a bid to rescue the hostages still held by the Abu Sayyaf, including two Canadians, a Norwegian, a Filipina, four Malaysians and 10 Indonesians.