By Alexis Romero
MANILA, Philippines — Rescuing hostages remains the main objective of security operations, the military said, following President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that he has ordered the blasting of fleeing kidnappers even if they are with their victims.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año said the military has procedures and techniques to ensure the safety of hostages while running after armed groups.
"We are trained for that. We will always make sure that we apply the right force and we apply the right approach to make sure the hostages are safe. Our first objective is to rescue the hostages," Año told reporters in Fort Bonifacio Monday night.
"In the military, we have what we call tactics and techniques and procedures… We will carry that out of course with consideration to the safety of hostages," he added.
Año said latest military technology allows security forces to launch offensives without harming hostages.
"We can always do that. Because of new technology, you can target one side of a building so that the hostages won't be harmed," he said.
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