July 20, 2009, The Philippine Star, Abu Sayyaf self-destructing by year end - AFP,

July 20, 2009, The Philippine Star, Abu Sayyaf self-destructing by year end - AFP,

MANILA, Philippines - The military sees the Abu Sayyaf self-destructing by yearend because of alleged infighting among commanders of the terrorist band.

Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said military commanders are confident advancing troops would defeat the Abu Sayyaf by yearend.

“This means that because their leaders are fighting among themselves, naturally it would result in the downfall of the Abu Sayyaf, so it’s not just the pressure coming from the leadership of the AFP but also infighting within their ranks,” he said.

Brawner said that local government-supported humanitarian and development programs in Sulu and Basilan would also help in defeating the Abu Sayyaf.

“What we need to do now is to address really the root causes of the problem, that’s why what we would see in the next few months is not purely combat operations but also developmental efforts,” he said.

Last Saturday, more troops and police were deployed in Basilan for the final push to destroy the Abu Sayyaf.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado said the support of local officials and residents of Basilan and Sulu would greatly help in the campaign to defeat the Abu Sayyaf.

In waters off Basilan, the Navy has thrown a dragnet to prevent kidnapping and piracy in the high seas.

It has sent two new high-velocity attack craft for anti-piracy operations in the waters of Western Mindanao.

Rear Adm. Alexander Pama, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command chief, showed how the Taiwan-made multi-purpose craft, traveling at speeds of 45 knots and above, cruise the rough seas of Basilan to match the speed of the twin-engine rubber inflatable boats.

Pama said the Navy’s latest attack craft will compliment the four US-made rubber inflatable attack craft deployed in Sulu to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from escaping by sea.

The MPAC craft have radar capability to monitor floating objects and are highly maneuverable for intercept and pursuit operations, with several light to heavy machineguns mounted on the bow and rear, he added.