AFP to continue pursuit of Sayyaf despite Ramadan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Marines and military forces will continue their pursuit of Abu Sayyaf militants in Sulu despite the  observance of fasting period of Ramadan, an official said Tuesday.

“The on-going operation will not affect the observance of the Ramadan as it is only directed against the lawless elements and bandit group of the Abu Sayyaf,” said Col. Jose Joriel Cenabre, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade and Task Force Sulu.

The marine commander also assured the public that military operations have been surgical  and intelligence-driven to avoid affecting  civilian areas.

Cenabre said they  remain on alert for any possible attacks that militants might  stage to take advantage of the religious event and commit atrocities while residents of the province are observing Ramadan.

The marine official said Abu Sayyaf members even launched roadside bombing attack on a marine convoy that hurt two soldiers who were providing routine security to medical and civic program for villagers in Patikul town.

"They (Abu Sayyaf group) are viciously attacking even soldiers conducting community programs,” Cenabre said.

Muslims in the country will officially start Wednesday the observance of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting, according to Sheikh Abdulwakil Tanjilil, Deputy Mufti for Western Mindanao and Palawan.

Meanwhile, Cenabre confirmed there were sightings of the two captive Filipino sisters, who are indie-film makers, in the custody of the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu.

“There were sightings but the location of the victims kept on changing because the Abu Sayyaf group holding them is very mobile,” Cenabre said.

Cenabre also confirmed that negotiations have been on going to free the victims Linda and Nadjoua Bansil without monetary consideration.

Various non-government organizations and civil society groups and Muslim religious groups in Sulu and Western Mindanao have been appealing to  the Abu Sayyaf group to free the victims they seized last June 22.  - Roel Pareño