20 February 2017

News Story: AFP, PNP ordered to intensify operations vs Abus, IS

By Christina Mendez

MANILA, Philippines - In a bid to underscore his administration’s fight against extremists in southern Philippines, President Duterte has ordered government forces to use all available resources to go after the two factions of the Abu Sayyaf that have showed allegiance to the Islamic State (IS).

Duterte said he has given the directive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the bid to save Mindanao from extremism.

“I have directed AFP and PNP to continuously contain the IS threat, to intensify operations using all available assets and resources. This is the only way to secure Mindanao,” Duterte told the alumni gathering of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City yesterday.

Duterte also referred to Mindanao as the “Land of Promise” which he hopes to develop during his term.

Read the full story at The Philippine Star