Sulu town mayor favors military offensive

A town mayor of Sulu has expressed support to the current military offensive in the province against the dreaded Abu Sayyaf radical group.

Siasi Mayor Wilson Anni, in an interview last December 21, said. “Let’s leave it to the military to run after the Abu Sayyaf, because it’s already a (grave threat) to the community.”

He said the military should be given all the leeway in tracking down these criminals. He observed though that there were many instances in the past when the innocent or fall guys became victims or caught in the crossfire.

He said Congress should study before passing into law the moth-balled anti-terror bill, to avoid possible wanton human rights violations.

The lawyers-Siasi town executive, nonetheless, showed pride that his island municipality, the biggest in Sulu, still remains “ASG free country.”

“We have no Abu Sayyafs in our place, and we intend to remain that way,” Anni vowed.

He said Siasi is considered the most peaceful municipality in Sulu, and invited the press to his hometown to see for themselves the tranquil environment of his town, the known turf of the Annis since the reign of their late father former Sulu Governor Indanan Anni in the 70’s.

Government forces have been concentrating their fight against the terrorists in the outlying mainland towns, particularly Patikul, Indanan and Luuk.

SunStar Zamboanga