[Filipino] Military pursuing fleeing bandits in Sulu (Abu Sayyaf)

BusinessWorld Online ^ | 09/23/2009 (Filipino time) | Darwin T. Wee

[Pyro7480]

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military assault against fleeing bandits in Sulu is continuing even after soldiers have overran their main camp.

Major General Benjamin D. Dolorfino, Western Mindanao Command chief, told BusinessWorld Sunday’s capture of the main Abu Sayyaf camp was a major blow to terrorism, citing the earlier capture of another main camp in neighboring Basilan province last August....

At least 17 bandits were immediately killed during the half-day clash, while others scattered and escaped.

The bandits retaliated on Monday, ambushing a band of Marines who were headed to their base at 2 p.m. Eight soldiers and five bandits were killed in the encounter.

Mr. Dolorfino said with no camps, the bandits would not be able to regain their strength, adding the military is reinforcing its intelligence gathering and has set up a dragnet to pin down the fleeing Abu Sayyaf commanders.

The military has killed over 45 bandits since last month, but at least 31 soldiers, including young officers, were also killed in separate operations.

[Pyro7480]

Pray for the souls of the Filipino soldiers who died and their families.

Related FR thread: 8 Marines [Philippine, NOT American Marines] killed in Abu Sayyaf ambush in Sulu

[DFG]

Bump

[Thank You Rush]

There isn’t nearly enough publicity about the fighting going on in the Philippines. I’m sure they would appreciate some help if only in letting the world know that the terrorists are still there and it will take a lot to put an end to them. I think the US military conducts “joint exercises” with the Philippine military and if we do more than that, who cares? Let’s not forget any of these brave people. We owe them a lot for their allegience to us in the ‘40’s!

[Jet Jaguar]

BTTT

[Pyro7480]

My father and his family are originally from northern Mindanao. They are quite familiar with the Mohammedan threat. Their hometown’s patron “saint” is Michael the Archangel, signifying the need for protection needed from these enemies. When my sister and I were growing up in the 1980s and 90s, my Dad would tell us about how we shouldn’t trust Muslims, and this was 10 or more years after he had left his home country! His words rang true after 9/11.

[VOA]

bump

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2190.html

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Wed Sep 23 2009 04:18:37 GMT-0700 (PDT).

PHILIPPINES

September 17, 2009

The State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and urges extreme caution if traveling there. This replaces the Travel Warning dated January 29, 2009, to reflect continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities.

Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death. Since August 2008, there have been sporadic clashes between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in the Mindanao provinces of North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, as well as the Sulu Archipelago. Kidnap-for-ransom gangs are active and have targeted foreigners. U.S. Government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. Travelers to these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. The Worldwide Caution reminds U.S. citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere.

The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila through the State Department’s travel registration website. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, tel. 63-2-301-2000. The American Citizens Services (ACS) section’s fax number is 63-2-301-2017 and the ACS web page can be accessed online.

For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for the Philippines and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website . U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.