Sunday, April 12, 2009

Civilians flee AFP cries another ASG tactic


Brgy. Bunot, INDANAN, SULU, Philippines – Civilians here staying in areas where the Abu Sayyaf roam, have fled to evacuation centers due to military presence, but the military termed it “misinformation campaign” by the enemies.

The military acknowledge there are “misinformation” campaign being conducted by the Abu Sayyaf being passed to communities in the hinterlands of Indanan and Parang.

“Mayroon talagang naglalakad at nagpapasabi na simulan namin ang operasyon,” said 3rd Marine Brigade Commander, Col. Eugene Clemen.

In Tausug, Hajirun Sapayani, 55 said they were informed by their elders in the community of “a pending military operation.”

Sapayani is a father of 7 and resident of Taran, Indanan, Sulu now seek shelter in Poblacion Elementary School, in Indanan.

Clemen believed that was part of the “misinformation” by the Abu Sayyaf through its sympathizers and supporters.

Barangay Taran, about 7 kilometers from Poblacion Indanan, is accordingly both sanctuary and lair for the Abu Sayyaf, said Clemen.

Sapayani said, they fled their homes for fear of being caught in the cross fire. Aside from their house and some farm animals, Sapayani said, they also left their fruit bearing trees ready for harvest.

He said, they rather be safe and accept the lost of the produce of their fruit trees – like Durian and mangosteen. Sapayani’s family shares a classroom with 4 other families from Taran, Indanan.

Sapayani claimed, they have not seen the hostages and their captives passing in their community, but admits the community is frequented by the group before.

Clemen on the other hand said, the Marines have established a detachment in Taran together with the CEF (Civilian Emergency Force) assuring residents of their safety. “Bakit sila aalis, wala namang eminent threat,” (Why are they leaving, there is no eminent threat) he said.

The military continue to add pressure to the Abu Sayyaf holding two foreign Red Cross workers for more than 80 days, using CEF as forward elements in the “constricted area”.

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