ZAMBOANGA CITY—The military offensive against Abu Sayyaf bandits and other lawless elements will continue despite the observance of Holy Week, the military said.

The Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief, Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, said the continued offensive is aimed at preventing the bandits and lawless elements from sowing terror during the observance of Holy Week.

Allaga, without disclosing specifics citing operational matters, said he has ordered the newly installed Joint Task Force Comet (JTFC) commander, Brig. Juancho Sabban, to continue the pursuit against the remaining members of the bandit group.

Sabban has been designated as JTFC commander, replacing Maj. Gen. Ruben Rafael, who is set to retire from the military service.

Prior to his new assignment, Sabban headed the Basilan-based Task Force Thunder that, like the JTFC, is tasked to run after the remaining leaders and members of the Abu Sayyaf.

The Armed Forces disbanded Task Force Thunder after reducing the forces deployed in Basilan province.

Allaga is optimistic the JTFC could neutralize the remaining leaders and followers of the Abu Sayyaf with Sabban as its commander.

It was during Sabban’s term as 3rd Marine Brigade commander in Patikul, Sulu, when Abu Sayyaf leader Khadafy Janjalani was killed in a clash with Marines in the said province.

Marines killed Janjalani on September 4, 2006, but his death was confirmed only in January 2007 following the conduct of DNA tests after his remains were recovered from a shallow grave in Patikul.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding captive a woman rice trader that the group seized in January in Jolo, the capital of Sulu province.

Maria Rosalie Lao, 58, was seized in the afternoon of January 28 near her residence in barangay Kakuayagan, Jolo.

Allaga, meanwhile, said they have readied Holy Week-related activities to be held at Camp Basilio Navarro that houses the Wesmincom headquarters in this city.

He said the Stations of the Cross, where Christian soldiers and their families could perform their devotion, have been set up.

The Maundy Thursday afternoon Mass and Good Friday services have also been scheduled at the camp’s Roman Catholic chapel, Allaga said.

Task Force Zamboanga and the Zamboanga City Police Office, on the other hand, have prepared a security plan to be implemented during the observance of Holy Week in this city.

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ZAMBOANGA CITY—The military offensive against Abu Sayyaf bandits and other lawless elements will continue despite the observance of Holy Week, the military said.

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