Duterte vows to crush Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines - Describing the Abu Sayyaf as criminals with distorted religious fervor, President Duterte vowed yesterday to crush the bandits who continue to pose a national security threat.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, Duterte also sought stronger cooperation with Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Abu Sayyaf has been involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities that lately victimized Indonesians and Malaysians.

“Since our country continues to be confronted with internal security threats, aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, the full force of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) will be applied to crush these criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor,” Duterte said.

Duterte directed the AFP to intensify operations against the bandits, who he earlier described as causing embarrassment to the country.  

Before Duterte assumed office last June 30, the Canadian and Norwegian leaders expressed concern for their citizens still held captive by the Abu Sayyaf. 

Duterte had to apologize to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after Canadian hostages John Ridsdel and Robert Hall were beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf. 

A Norwegian who was among those kidnapped last year in Samal Island remains in captivity. – With Alexis Romero