BASILAN – Major Lito Orbita, the operations officer of the Joint Task Force Basilan, reported during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting today, June 15, that the number of active Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members operating in the hinterlands of the island province has dropped from 12 to 9 at present, with most of them being wounded in recent military operations.
Maj. Orbita expressed confidence that the remaining nine ASG members will soon be neutralized, freeing Basilan from the grip of the terrorist group.
The PPOC meeting, held at the SP Session Hall of the Provincial Capitol, was presided over by its vice chairperson, Provincial Police Director Col. Carlos Madronio, in the absence of Gov. Jim Salliman.
It was also reported that from March to June, 23 ASG members and/or lawless elements have been neutralized, and 3,346 civilians have registered or stenciled their firearms.
The military intends to intensify its operations against the ASG and sustain the Small and Light Weapons (SALW) Program in Basilan.
On the part of the Philippine National Police, Col. Madronio admitted, however, that the crime volume in the province has slightly increased this year.
He mentioned that Lamitan City has the highest crime volume, while the municipalities of Tuburan, Lantawan, Tabuan Lasa, and Hadji Mutammad have registered zero crime incidents.
The meeting also focused on the issue of illegal internet booster devices, even as the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has already issued a warning against their use.
The PNP has recommended that the LGUs craft an ordinance banning the use of booster devices in accordance with NTC regulations.
Both the PNP and the military have pledged to strengthen security measures in Basilan Province, especially with the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections fast approaching.
