Sulu evacuees still refuse to return home

INDANAN, Sulu — Hostilities between the military and a combined group of the Abu Sayyaf and the so-called Misuari Breakaway Group (MBG) have waned, but thousands of villagers displaced by the conflict still refuse to return to their communities, fearing that the retreating rebels may launch "retaliatory attacks."

Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga, who toured the two towns affected by the conflict — Panamao and Indanan — said that while the military has restored peace in the two municipalities, Army and Marine units still remain on high alert to thwart any attacks by the Abu Sayyaf and MBG.

"We are in full control of the situation," Senga told The STAR via mobile phone.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan said he has directed the Sulu police to tighten security in all municipalities to restrain the movements of groups sympathetic to the Abu Sayyaf and the MBG. — John Unson