Defense, AFP officials visit Tawi-Tawi

MANILA, Philippines - Security officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Eduardo Año flew to the island town of Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday to rally the support of the residents in the government’s campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, piracy and illegal drugs.

Lorenzana and Año were accompanied by the chiefs of the military services Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda of the Army, Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina of the Air Force and Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado of the Navy. 

Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs office chief, said Lorenzana had a dialogue with municipal and barangay officials and attended a briefing presided by ground military commander. 

Lorenzana said it is not enough that the military is around to provide security, noting that soldiers need the help of civilians in addressing security concerns. 

Sibutu Mayor Alshefa Pajiji expressed concern over kidnappings involving seafarers transiting near Tawi-Tawi, saying the incidents affected tourism in the province. 

Año, meanwhile, gave assurance that the military would sustain its operations against Abu Sayyaf bandits even as he called on residents not to give sanctuary or logistics to the kidnappers.