No Lenten break in operations vs lawless groups – AFP

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not suspending its offensive against the Abu Sayyaf, New People’s Army (NPA) and other lawless groups during the Holy Week, an official said yesterday.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP public affairs office chief, said the AFP leadership is leaving it up to area and division commanders whether to raise the alert status in preparation for the Holy Week.

 “Going on leave is not a soldiers’ right, but only a privilege. Those deployed in areas where there are ongoing law enforcement operations against terrorist groups may not be allowed to go home during the Holy Week,” Cabunoc said.

He said only those assigned outside conflict areas would be allowed to go on a Lenten break to be with their families and fulfill their religious obligations.

He said AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang has ordered an offensive against the Abu Sayyaf, adding that a task force has been created to check seacraft entering and leaving Sulu.

Cabunoc said soldiers assigned in areas where communist rebels operate might not also be allowed to go on leave in view of the forthcoming founding anniversary of the NPA.