Duterte vows to 'destroy' Abu Sayyaf after new beheading
After hearing reports of the beheading of a teenage Abu Sayyaf hostage, Duterte vows to be harsh against the terrorist group
Rappler.com
'DESTROY THEM.' President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with soldiers belonging to Joint Task Force Sulu during his visit to Sulu, stomping ground of the Abu Sayyaf, on August 12, 2016. File photo by Rey Baniquet/PPD
MANILA, Philippines – Upon hearing a report that another Abu Sayyaf hostage has been beheaded, President Rodrigo Duterte repeated his directive to troops to "destroy" the terrorist group.
“My orders to the police and armed forces against enemies of the state: seek them out in their lairs and destroy them... The Abu Sayyaf, destroy them, period,” said Duterte during an early morning press conference on Thursday, August 25, in Davao City.
A visibly angry Duterte said he has lost all faith in the Abu Sayyaf even if considers himself connected with them somewhat through ethnic relations.
"Napaka ano naman nila, diyan ako nawalan ng bilib sa inyo (That's where I lost my belief in you). I have this little connection by blood with you but you know, nawalan talaga ako ng bilib sa inyo (I've lost my belief in you)," said Duterte.
He explained that though most Abu Sayyaf members are of Tausug lineage, he too traces his roots from another Mindanao-based ethnic group through his Maranao mother.
"Although I'm not a Tausug, more on the Maranao side, but I no longer believe in you," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Duterte also revealed that ransom has been paid for Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad although he would not say who paid it. (READ: P50-M ransom paid for Norwegian hostage – Duterte)
"Binayaran na 'yan sila (They were paid)," he said.
Asked how his crackdown on the Abu Sayyaf would be different from those of previous administrations, Duterte said: "I'll be harsh. Not just a campaign. Go out and destroy them. Huwag na kayo magtanong ng human rights (Don't ask about human rights)." – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The military said late Wednesday, August 24, that a kidnap victim was beheaded, reportedly by the Abu Sayyaf.
A GMA News report cited Major Filemon Tan, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, who said the decapitated head of Patrick Almodovar was found at around 7:30 pm in Barangy Kajatian, Indanan in Sulu province.
Tan also said the head "was wrapped in a plastic bag and was left behind by 3 men onboard a motorcycle."
The recovered head is currently being processed and investigated by Scene of the Crime Operatives as well as the Indanan town police.
Upon hearing about the beheading, President Rodrigo Duterte repeated his order to the military to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf.
“My orders to the police and armed forces against enemies of the state: seek them out in their lairs and destroy them,” said Duterte during an early morning press conference on Thursday, August 25, in Davao City. – Rappler.com
