The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said there's no deadline on the pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf terror and kidnap group in Sulu yet, but there will be no letup in the campaign.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya said the government did not ask for a timeframe of pursuit of the bandits, as he and other military officials visited soldiers in Sulu late Saturday afternoon.
Visaya specified that there is no deadline given but "we will hunt and pursue them as long as needed." He also said that he wanted to personally listen to the needs of operating units.
The AFP chief also inspected a newly constructed hospital.
Visaya also congratulated troops for their services even as he encouraged them to be more vigilant in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf.
The visit, the fifth since the government declared an all out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf two weeks ago, was also part of President Rodrigo Duterte's fight against terrorism.
Visaya also urged Abu Sayyaf members to pursue peace or suffer the consequences of their terrorist acts, laying down conditions for those who want to surrender.
The military operations have resulted in the killing of 32 Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sulu and 27 in Basilan.
The AFP lost 18 soldiers, while 28 government troops were wounded in Sulu and Basilan.
The terror and kidnap group has been widely blamed for the September 2 bombing of the Roxas Night Market in Davao City that killed 14 people and wounded 70 others.
Source: Manila Times
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