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November 19, 2005
Philippines: Military Intensifies Assault on Islamic Rebels on Jolo
We described earlier some of the fighting which has been taking place between the Philippines security forces and militants on the island on Jolo. The current conflict began last Friday (11 November), and now has reached the end of its first week.
The fighting began when an army patrol was ambushed by rebels from MNLF (Moro Liberation Army) and Islamist terror group, Abu Sayyaf.
The Filipino Sun Star announces today that the military has decided to increase its onslaught against the rebels. Lieutenant General Generoso Senga has ordered the security forces to intensify the campaign.
"We will pursue relentlessly the Abu Sayyaf and the groups that are supporting them," he announced. "We want this operation done right away, so peace may return to Jolo and we can start development projects and provide the people with livelihood."
Jolo military chief Brigadier General Alexander Aleo stated: "We will not stop this operation until the Abu Sayyaf and their supporters surrender."
There have been sightings of US military personnel on Jolo recently. Originally American military spokespersons said the troops were helping train the Filipino troops in anti-terror activities. Now the official line from the Filipino authorities is that the US forces are there on a humanitarian mission.
The leaders of the MNLF rebels are Khaid Ajibun and Haber Malik. Malik accused the security forces of using Mosques in Panamao town as bases from which to launch raids against them.
"The soldiers are cowards. They are hiding inside the mosques and that's why we cannot attack them on the ground because our fellow Muslims may be caught in the crossfire," he said in a televised interview.
The leaders of the Abu Sayyaf rebels on Jolo are Radulan Sahiron, the one-armed horserider, Albader Parad and Umbra Jumdail Gumbahali, all of whom are listed by Washington and Manila as terrorists.
On Thursday, leaflets were dropped by helicopter onto villagers. The thousands of fliers bore photos of the known Abu Sayyaf leaders, and offered rewards for their capture, dead or alive.
Militants have been harrassing civilians in two towns on the island. It is now estimated that 2,000 people have fled their homes since the unrest started.
Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at November 19, 2005 7:32 AM
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