General Ricardo R. Visaya, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, visited Jolo, Sulu over the weekend and rallied troops involved in the offensive against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), while President Duterte greeted Muslims on the occasion of Eid’l Adha – the “Feast of Sacrifice” – today.

The President’s greeting to the Muslim community came with an appeal on all Filipinos to do their share of personal sacrifices for the greater good as he strives hard to steer the nation towards peace and prosperity.

“Let this celebration stand as a reminder that real change requires the sacrifice of our personal interest in favor of the common good of our citizens. Together, we can achieve progress, prosperity and harmony for all,” the President said.

The President earlier declared September 12 as a nationwide holiday in observance of the Muslim feast of sacrifice. For the Muslim community, Eid’l Adha commemorates the day the willingness of prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son upon the orders of God.

In the same message, the President extended his “heartfelt and warmest greetings” to the Muslim community in celebration of Eid’l Adha. He said the occasion is a reminder of the virtues that strengthen the very foundation of Islam.

“I join you in commemorating the ultimate obedience and trust of Ibrahim when he submits to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, according to the will of Allah. This occasion truly invigorates our common aspirations and rekindles the true significance of our faith,” he said.

Duterte said he also appreciates the support of the Filipino Muslims for the government’s peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, for Visaya, his fifth visit to troops taking the brunt of the fighting in the effort to destroy the ASG and rescue the remaining hostages came with a warning to the ASG.

Visaya told the armed bandits to take the path of peace “if not, our soldiers will hunt them down and pursue them until all of them are neutralized.”

“Those Abu Sayyaf Group members who want to surrender, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will accept them, provided that they will release their hostages,” he added.

Three of those visits were done after the beheading of Patrick James Almodvar, a local Muslim Jolo resident.

Top brass of the AFP including the Commanding General of the Phil Army, Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano; Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz; the Chief Surgeon, Brig. Gen. Mariano Mejia and other Generals from the General Headquarters accompanied the Chief of Staff in rallying the troops headed by Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega together with 101st Brigade and 501st Bridage Commanders; Col Jesus Manangquil and Col Jose Faustino including Battalion Commanders and other key officers and troops.

Dela Vega led government troops in Sulu in greeting all Muslims and Christians alike a happy Eid’l Adha as Muslims around the world gather and celebrate.

This is the message of solidarity of troops as mass is celebrated yesterday during the blessing of a newly constructed hospital inside Camp Bautista.

The newly constructed station hospital is expected to enhance the survival of wounded troops and widen the medical care that can be given to soldiers and their families while stationed in Sulu.

Dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS), said soldiers in Sulu and those assigned generally in Mindanao have learned to understand and respect the religion and culture of Moros.

“We extend our sincere desire for a peaceful Eid’l Adha and we again appeal to the people of Sulu for their continued cooperation to ensure the safety of all members of the community,” Dela Vega said.

The visit aims to boost the morale of troops, be abreast of the conduct of operation and hear for himself the needs of the operating units as well as provide guidance and convey the message of President Rodrigo Duterte to ground troops on the war against terror. The AFP chief also inspected the newly constructed camp hospital and status of its facilities.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Francis T. Wakefield, Genalyn D. Kabiling, and Nonoy E. Lacson

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