Marines now more aggressive in fight vs Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines - The killing of seven Marines in Sulu last week has driven their colleagues to be more aggressive in going after Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the troubled island province, the military said yesterday.

However, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez said the military posturing in Sulu is not an act of exacting revenge but part of the soldiers’ mandate to rid the country of terrorists.

“The military is now aggressive in running after the Abu Sayyaf not because we need to get even but because we have a mission and mandate to rid the nation of these terrorists,” Rodriguez said.

Western Command (Westmincom) spokesman Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang said despite the observance of the holy month of Ramadan, the troops are conducting operations against Abu Sayyaf commanders Radullan Sahiron, Isnilon Hapilon, Yasser Igasan and Dr. Abu Pula.

Cabangbang said the operations are all intelligence-driven in order to spare innocent civilians from being caught in the crossfire.

Target of the continuing operations are the terrorists who waylaid elements of the Marine Special Operations Platoon (SOP) at Barangay Panglahayan, Patikul early morning Thursday last week.

In the fighting that ensued, 26 Marines were wounded while seven others, including Marine SOP commander 2nd Lt. Michael Baladad, were outflanked and subsequently executed by the terrorists.

President Aquino awarded the Gold Cross Medals for gallantry in action to the slain Marines during their wake at the Philippine Marine Corps Auditorium in Fort Bonifacio over the weekend.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP chief of staff Eduardo Oban Jr., Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Alexander Pama and Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero accompanied the President, who handed the medals to representative of the slain marines.

After the Medal of Valor, the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action is the second highest honor that can be bestowed upon a soldier in recognition of his or her sacrifice and efforts to uphold the law.

The seven Marines who gallantly fought the bandits were: Baladad, Sgt. Desiderio Serdan Jr., corporals Ramsel Laynesa, Claro Lapasaran III, and Freddie Castellano Jr., Private First Class Juanito Evasco Jr., and Private Nico Tinambunan.

They were promoted to the next rank.

Aside from the Gold Cross Medal, each Marine’s family will receive financial assistance, scholarships for their children, as well as housing privileges.

P-Noy: No letup in offensive

President Aquino directed the AFP leadership to step up its operations and use all its resources against the Abu Sayyaf.

He said crushing the terrorist group will be the focal point of the government through the concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies.

He stressed that a well-coordinated and comprehensive strategy with the full support of the people and government institutions at all levels will be implemented to eliminate terrorism.

The President, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and military officials led the heroes’ welcome for the fallen soldiers when their remains arrived at Villamor airbase.

Aquino and Binay personally extended their sympathies and condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and listened to their concerns.

After the ceremony, Aquino presided over a meeting with AFP officials for two hours.

He said they are waiting for the results of the investigation on the Sulu encounter to pinpoint the problems and come out with concrete solutions.

When asked if operations will continue despite the observance of Ramadan, the President said: “We will be sensitive to the concerns of our Muslim brothers but at the same time there are police operations still going on.”

Human rights still a concern

Meanwhile, a human rights advocate condemned the beheading of the five Marines, but expressed apprehension that the ongoing operations might lead to the arrest of innocent civilians.

A representative of the Mindanao Peace Caucus (MPC) issued the statement at the sideline of the press conference of the torture incident of an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf who was apprehended by soldiers in Basilan late last month.

“We do not condone the act of the Abu Sayyaf or the rebels behind the brutal acts. We are upholding the standard that is internationally accepted,” Carlo Cleofe said when asked for their stand on the recent incident of mutilation of the soldiers.

He said they are anticipating possible effects of the recent bloody encounter on human rights violation.   – With Delon Porcalla, Roel Pareño