BRIEFS
PHILIPPINES: Civilian Force Engages Abu Sayyaf
Vavi Domingo
Issue date: 10/28/09 Section: Eagle Eye
Summary: The Civilian Enforcement Force (CEF) has engaged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in firefights to protect bridges that are part of key economic routes in the southern Philippines.
Development: More soldiers have been sent to Sulu to aid CEF efforts to protect key bridges in the southern Philippine province. On Oct. 19, at approximately 3:00 a.m. Philippine time (7:00 p.m. GMT), the ASG bombed the Lagtoh Bridge in the town of Talipao, causing damage to one side, rendering only one lane usable by vehicles. Western Mindanao Command Chief General Benjamin Dolorfino states the CEF and ASG exchanged fire and in the flurry of battle the ASG threw the improvised explosive device that damaged the bridge.
Analysis: A branch of the military, the CEF is proving essential in complementing the strength of the Philippine military. The mountainous region of the southern Philippines provides valuable shelter for militant groups. This recent bombing by Abu Sayyef signifies the ASG's turn to targeting weakening Philippine commerce in the southern region. Military authorities also believe this attack is the ASG's way of diverting military attention from pursuing the insurgent splinter groups led by Albader Parad, Dr. Abu Pula, and Isnilon Hapilon in the province of Sulu.
Development: More soldiers have been sent to Sulu to aid CEF efforts to protect key bridges in the southern Philippine province. On Oct. 19, at approximately 3:00 a.m. Philippine time (7:00 p.m. GMT), the ASG bombed the Lagtoh Bridge in the town of Talipao, causing damage to one side, rendering only one lane usable by vehicles. Western Mindanao Command Chief General Benjamin Dolorfino states the CEF and ASG exchanged fire and in the flurry of battle the ASG threw the improvised explosive device that damaged the bridge.
Analysis: A branch of the military, the CEF is proving essential in complementing the strength of the Philippine military. The mountainous region of the southern Philippines provides valuable shelter for militant groups. This recent bombing by Abu Sayyef signifies the ASG's turn to targeting weakening Philippine commerce in the southern region. Military authorities also believe this attack is the ASG's way of diverting military attention from pursuing the insurgent splinter groups led by Albader Parad, Dr. Abu Pula, and Isnilon Hapilon in the province of Sulu.
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