AFP: No let-up vs kidnappings in W. Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  â€“ There will be “no let-up” in efforts against the spate of kidnappings in the region following the recovery last Thursday of two Filipino-Algerian sisters who had been held captive by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu for eight months.

“This operation is continuous and there will be no let-up to neutralize the kidnapping groups,” said Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

“The operation is a total effort which led us to the successful operation (on Thursday) and we hope to do this with the other kidnap victims as well,” Guerrero said, referring to the recovery of siblings Nadjoua and Linda Bansil, both independent filmmakers.

Earlier, Marines and the Barangay Peace Action Team, a village pro-government militia, had encountered Abu Sayyaf militants in Patikul, Sulu, killing eight and wounding a dozen others. 

Guerrero said they have sought the cooperation of locals and that their operations have avoided collateral damage and ensured the safety of the kidnap victims. 

“The local government plays a big role, if they will not report to us the presence of the Abu Sayyaf, (not even a thousand patrols would yield anything),” Guerrero said.

“So our effort is to close in on the critical area, then let the local government come in for the other efforts; it could be negotiation or pressure so that we can end this problem of kidnappings,” he said. 

At least 10 kidnap victims are still being held in the region: four in Sulu, two in Basilan, two in this city, and a couple seized in Zamboanga del Sur.