The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) believes the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan will eventually lead to the downfall of the Abu Sayyaf group, which is linked to the terrorist leader's al-Qaeda network.
“The AFP is optimistic that Osama's death would lead to the eventual demise of the link of the local terrorist group with Jemaah Islamiyah who has links with bin Laden's al-Qaeda," said AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban on Monday.
US President Barack Obama announced late Sunday (Monday in Manila) that the elusive bin Laden was killed in a US-led operation involving helicopters and troops in Pakistan.
Oban said the AFP would remain vigilant against possible attacks by groups supportive of bin Laden. “We would like to assure the people that your AFP would remain alert and vigilant amidst this very significant development."
AFP spokesperson Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez, meanwhile, noted that bin Laden had been an “inspiration" to local terrorists.
“Ngayon na nawala na yung kanilang ulo, nakikita natin na siguro mawawalan na sila ng inspirasyon na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga terroristic act," he said.
(Now that their overall leader is gone, they will no longer have inspiration to carry out their terroristic acts.)
Rodriguez said Asian terrorist groups like the Jemaah Islamiyah has been silent these days as the funds they used to receive from bin Laden’s al-Qaeda terrorist network have diminished overtime.
“Yung funding support na binibigay ng al-Qaeda sa Jemaah Islamiyah has trickled down to almost zero, kaya kung nakikita nyo yung ating mga terrorist groups dito sa Pilipinas ay parang walang kagana-gana, wala silang kalatoy-latoy," he said.
Still, Rodriguez said they will closely monitor the security situation in the country for possible attacks by bin Laden sympathizers following the death of the dreaded terrorist leader. — KBK
