AFP vows to intensify pursuit vs MILF rebels

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to intensify pursuit operations against the renegade Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas following the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ends today or tomorrow upon sighting of the new moon.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres said the offensive would continue but it would require more supplies and equipment that were spent during previous operations.

Torres said they would “increase the tempo of their operations” to prevent another bloody attack from the MILF groups in Central Mindanao.

To achieve this, Torres stressed the need to replenish the ammunition and supplies spent during six weeks of combat operations against the groups of MILF commanders Ameril Umbra Kato and Abdurahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo.

“For the past one and a half months we have spent a significant amount of ammunition so there would be a need to replenish, to sustain the operation and to increase the operational tempo,” he said.

While there are no indications that the MILF forces would step up attacks, the AFP would continue to be on guard and implement contingency plans against such a scenario, which according to Torres is a remote possibility.

“We are not discounting the fact that they might still resort to some violent activities. We are still closely watching these facilities, at the same time we have to maintain the security of our detachments even if they (MILF) are far from where these are situated,” he said.