Philippines: To deploy more troops after militants threaten to kill German hostages

The Philippines deployed about1,000-plus extra soldiers in Sulu island group, on Sunday to reinforce the marine forces after Islamic militants threatened to kill one of two German hostages. Recently, the Abu Sayyaf, has threatened to kill one of two German hostages if a ransom is not paid and stops its support for the US-led campaign against the ISIS group.

An army brigade, a unit that usually comprises between 800 to 1,500 troops, was dispatched in Sulu where the Abu Sayyaf militants are supposed to be holding the two German tourists. Meanwhile, there are two more army battalions were assigned in nearby southern areas.

The redeployment is a part of an ongoing plan which is secured on military mandate to address internal and external security situations. Moreover, the dispatched army troops will also help the marines that were assigned in south to eradicate the Abu Sayyaf once in for all.

Major Calixto Cadano, northern Philippines military spokesman said that the said reinforcements will allow Philippine Marines who have been fighting the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu as well as on Basilan, another southern island, "to concentrate on their main tasks”.

The Philippines would not negotiate with the Abu Sayyaf over its demands for about $5.62 million in ransom for the Germans.

Gazmin has announced He also moderate alleged links between the group, which is blamed for the Philippines' worst terror attacks, to Islamic State jihadists fighting in Iraq and Syria.

AFP File

The exact number of troops was not stated by the military officials for operational security. Further, one of the smaller units was flown to the south on Saturday.

All three units that were sent to the southern had come from the northern Philippines where security officials said a long-running communist insurgency has mostly petered out.