Fight Against Abu Sayyaf Not Yet Over: ArroyoPhilippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Tuesday that "the fight (against the bandit group Abu Sayyaf) is not yet over."In her regular press conference here, Arroyo said she has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to intensify the rescue operations for Roland Ullah, the last Filipino hostage still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf, and to wipe out the remnants of the bandit gang. She also said that she has issued three directives to the military: to intensify the rescue operations for the safe return of Ullah; to pursue the remnants of the bandit gang; and to bring their leaders to justice. The president said that while members of the Abu Sayyaf are now scampering and slowly disbanding, the government's mission to ensure peace in Mindanao is not yet over. "Our remaining mission is to free Roland Ullah from the clutches of the bandit group and wipe out the Abu Sayyaf and put an end to their atrocities," she stressed. During the press conference, the president said the policeman and his son who played a vital role in the safe rescue of American hostage Jeffrey Schilling will be brought to Manila to be properly honored. Earlier, Arroyo cited the support of civilians to the military operations that resulted in the safe rescue of Schilling on Thursday, April 12. |
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