01 February 2017

News Story: Philippine defense chief urges people not to help terrorists

MANILA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday urged people not to provide harboring place to fleeing members of the Abu Sayyaf group and other terrorists.

"We earnestly ask you to cooperate with your Armed Forces to avoid any untoward incident or injury," said Lorenzana in a statement, adding that the offensive against these groups are now in "full swing."

"Do not help the terrorists. If they run to your house, do not let them in, do not coddle them or hide them," said Lorenzana said.

"If they are your relatives or friends and you want to save them, convince them to return to the government fold when there is still time," said Lorenzana.

Lorenzana said the fight against terrorism is not just the fight of the Armed Forces alone. He said the military needs the support of everyone to win peace.

Read the full story at Xinhua