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Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III said Wednesday that his government is carrying out a two-pronged approach in dealing with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.
During the annual Presidential Forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, Aquino said his government is using military power to crush the estimated 400 bandits, including their supporters, but is also exerting efforts to develop Mindanao.
The military and the police are implementing security measures to combat the Abu Sayyaf, especially following the release of the two German hostages last week, he said.
While military operations are being carried out, the government is also undertaking peace initiatives in Mindanao, the President said.
"Even before we signed the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro ( FAB), we have been trying to show the people of the ARMM ( Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) the benefits of peace," he said.
FAB is the initial peace pact between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines.
Aquino cited the development programs that his administration has been implementing in southern Philippines, particularly in the provinces, such as Sulu, the stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
"We will try to change the status quo to get them to buy into the system and be partners in development rather than people who stifle the development activities in the area," he said.
