The safety of hostages is still main consideration in the conduct of operations against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla of the Air Force said that despite recent statements made by President Rodrigo Duterte ordering to “bomb extremists still holding hostages”, the welfare of the kidnap victims still a main concern for them.
“Even though the president issued a strongly worded statement, when we apply this our main consideration is still protecting the lives of the hostages,” said Padilla. “But the most important thing here is that he is firm with his order for us to fasten our pursuit operations against the perpetrators who led the abduction of local and foreign tourists.”
Duterte earlier said the loss of civilian lives in such an attack could be considered as “collateral damage” given the fact that the military has launch an all out offensive to destroy the enemy who continues to hold 27 local and foreign captives.
Padilla however stressed they will use all available resources and apply the full power or might of the military in order to implement the order of the Chief Executive.
“But as I was saying, it is now left to the commanders to be able to implement that in the best way possible at the least cost of life and at the least application of violence and that I would say as the operational art,” he added.
Padilla, however, said that in the conduct of military operations, lost of lives is imminent.
“You know in the application of force, in order to accomplish the mission sometimes it may not be, it cannot be avoided that there will be a certain level of damage,” Padilla said.
Speaking to the business community in Davao City last weekend, the President has described as “collateral damage” hostages who are caught in the crossfire.
“Ako ang order ko talaga sa Navy, sa Coast Guard, basta nag-kidnap, tapos trying to escape, pasabugin mo na silang lahat [My order to the Navy and Coast Guard, if there are kidnappers trying to escape, bomb them all],” the President said.
“Sabi nila, ‘hostage po.’ Sorry, collateral damage [They say ‘ hostages.’ Sorry, collateral damage],” the former mayor of Davao City said.
Duterte believes such government action would at least even the score against these lawless elements.
(FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD)