More RMG forces sent to Mindanao

CEBU, Philippines - For the second time, a team from the Police Regional Office-7 was deployed to Western Mindanao where the government is fighting against Abu Sayyaf bandits who are holding two members of the International Committee of the Red Cross in captivity.

The PRO-7 through the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation-Visayas, headed by Chief Supt. Rey Roderos, sent around 81 members of the Regional Mobile Group for DIPO-Western Mindanao.

With the 81 RMG-7 personnel are the 84 RMG personnel from Region 6 (Western Visayas) who all departed for Zamboanga City at 9 p.m. last Good Friday and arrived there late afternoon yesterday to augment the troops of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Sr. Supt. Louie Oppus, chief of the Regional Operations and Plans Division of PRO-7, said that the RMG personnel deployed from the Visayas will be supervised by DIPO-Western Mindanao headed by Chief Supt. Felizardo Serapio, Jr.

RMG-7 was led by Supt. Glen Cinco and another three veteran officials of the Mindanao campaign for the last years.

The deployed troops will support the Task Force ICRC.

ICRC volunteers Eugenio Vagni and Andreas Notter were captured by members of the Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf two months ago while Filipino ICRC volunteer Mary Jean Lacaba was freed two weeks ago.

It was still not determined how long the troops will stay in the area but reportedly with the continuing threat from ASG terrorists in the islands of Jolo and Basilan, they are expected to stay long there.

“We don’t know (when to return) yet, but we have to comply with the order,” Oppus said. The order, reportedly received last Thursday, read that the “teams needed are to arrive in Zamboanga by Monday.”

“They will be deployed in vulnerable areas where possible terrorist attacks are imminent due to the limited number of PNP personnel in police stations. They will also act as standby force in case government troops will launch full PNP and military operation vs. Abu Sayyaf bandits,” the order further said.

PRO-7 also sent troops to Mindanao last year following an attack in Central Mindanao by lost command units of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)