Offensives in Basilan, Sulu will proceed even on Ramadan – DND chief

By Ronron
August 31, 2007

The military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its allies in Basilan and Sulu will continue even during the Holy Islam month of Ramadan starting September 13th.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said he is confident, however, that the commanders and forces on the ground will be sensitive in their operations in the light of the Muslim tradition celebration.

“No, the operations cannot be stopped… I’m not going to even suggest a stop in operations or to go above the judgment of the Chief of Staff and the commanders,” Teodoro told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo Friday.

The Muslim community, which include those in Basilan and Sulu, will celebrate the Ramadan from September 13 until October 11 this year.

Military offensives in the south have stepped up in July following the July 10 incident at Al-Barka, Basilan where Marine elements looking for abducted Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi were ambushed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) elements, and those killed were later mutilated allegedly by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) rebels.

Since the fighting erupted, spreading even to Sulu, 57 soldiers already died and over 20 others were injured. Around 80 bandits were also reportedly killed although only a few of them were recovered, according to the military.

Consistent with the order of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be extra-careful in conducting the military offensives to avoid collateral damage, Teodoro said the troops on the ground will surely exercise caution especially during the Ramadan.

“I’m sure the commanders are sensitive enough to know the sensitivities in the area, pursuant to their rules of engagement. I’m sure that will take that into consideration,” Teodoro said.

Asked about the matter, Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero said that traditionally, the military slows down during the Ramadan by just conducting “preventive patrols.”

“But if they engage our men on patrol, then we cannot just allow ourselves not to fight back,” Romero said.

But Romero said that as of Friday, he has not heard of a ceasefire order in Basilan and Sulu from the end of the Philippine military./DMS