 SOUTHERN Command (Southcom) chief Alberto Braganza Monday confirmed the death of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) chieftain Kadaffy Janjalani and his right-hand man Isnilon Hapilon. "We are confirming the death of Janjalani and Hapilon. We have not heard of Janjalani and Hapilon since November," said Lieutenant General Braganza, as he stressed that the military has significantly reduced the ASG capability, despite their claim of responsibility for the Valentine's Day bombings that occurred in Cities of General Santos and Davao in Mindanao and in Makati, Metro Manila. The three simultaneous blasts killed 11 people and injured over a hundred. But Braganza was quick to say that because they have yet to search and recover their bodies to strengthen their findings, the military has to continue to officially check its veracity.
| The Fat Lady has retired to her dressing room to sulk, disappointed yet again... |
As usual, he downplayed continuous threats from the ASG to conduct more bombings across the country, following their successful February 14 bomb attacks. Braganza also denied that the Misuari breakaway forces have formal ties with the ASG even if both are fighting side-by-side against government troops in Sulu. "It's not hierarchical, but just tactical alliance in some areas due primarily to blood relationships," Braganza said. As this developed, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office has called on the Armed Forces to cease its continuous offensives in Sulu to spare more lives in the Sulu fighting. |