AFP told: Neutralize Sayyaf in 6 months

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año has ordered military troops in Mindanao to follow President Duterte’s desire to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf within the next six months.

“Train all your thoughts, focus your efforts, muster all your courage, summon all your energy and give it all to this fight. So that once and for all, we will neutralize the Abu Sayyaf, the other terrorist groups, and their infrastructures,” Año said.

Año gave the instructions as he presided over the change of command ceremony for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief in Zamboanga City from Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz to Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. last Jan. 17.

He asked members of the Philippine Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines to always look at the big picture and see where each of them would fit. 

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo, who was with the group, said Año told the troops in the area that he “is satisfied” with their preparations, especially the personnel and equipment readiness of the combat, intelligence, psychological operations and support units.

“We are advancing in our campaign to finish the Abu Sayyaf group within six months with renewed and modified plans derived from the strength of our past operational plans and the renewed vigor of the defense and AFP leaderships,” Año told the troops. “You are privileged to be part of this fight in pursuit of the mission that our commander-in-chief, President Duterte has given us. I challenge you (field commanders) to exercise the highest degree of commandership. Give your utmost best.”