PNoy orders AFP, PNP: Intensify operations vs Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines – The military and police will continue to pursue the Abu Sayyaf group and other lawless elements.

This was the assurance given by President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday, heeding to the plea of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

“President Aquino has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to further intensify operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group and other terror threat elements,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement Saturday.

“The Philippines extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families and stands in solidarity with Malaysia and ASEAN in resolutely fighting terrorism,” he added.

The president’s statement came after Razak delivered a speech in the opening ceremony of the 27th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Razak said they were “shocked and shaken” by the ruthless beheading of Malaysian hostage Bernard Then Ted Fen.

Based on the reports, Fen was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf group Tuesday after the victim’s family reportedly failed to pay the P40-million ransom.

In his speech, Razak also blasted the recent deadly attacks and atrocities perpetrated by terrorist groups in Paris, France and Mali, South Africa.

“The perpetrators of these cowardly and barbaric acts do not represent any race, religion or creed, nor should we allow them to claim to do so. They are terrorists and should be confronted as such, with the full force of the law,” said Razak.

Aquino arrived in Kuala Lumpur Friday for the ASEAN summit immediately after hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila. 

Both the military and police denied the report that there was a headless body recovered in Sulu a few days ago.