AFP Unfazed as al-Qaeda Gets New Leader

Manila, Philippines (May 20, 2011) - No let up in the anti-terrorism campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This was the assurance given yesterday by Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., speaking at a forum organized by the Philippine Inform.

Gen. Oban said the military is not disturbed by reports that international terror group al-Qaeda has selected a new leader to replace Osama bin Laden who was killed by US troops earlier this month in Pakistan.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. said yesterday they will continue to run after terrorists even as he cited the need to establish the identity of Saif al-Adel, Osama’s rumored successor.

“The death of bin Laden was news but in terms of our objectives to curb local terrorism, these are continuous,” he said. Of course, we need to assess the personality of (Osama’s successor) and how we see him as a leader.”

Oban said they are continuously working with the police to thwart any attacks by terrorist groups and their sympathizers.

“On the part of the armed forces, we continue to exert constant pressure, combat operations against local terrorists,” he said.

Oban said al-Adel is expected to communicate with existing terror networks in different countries, including the local terror group Abu Sayyaf, which has about 400 members and linked with Jemaah Islamiyah, al-Qaeda’s cell in the region.

“Foremost in our objective is to root out terrorism in the country… We like to keep them (terrorists) on the run,” he said.

Previous reports said al-Adel, a former Egyptian military officer, will serve as interim leader of the al-Qaeda until bin Laden’s successor has been named. Al-Adel is said to be connected with the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the group tagged in the killing of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

Media reports quoted sources as saying that the terror group appointed al-Adel as “caretaker” in a meeting held last week at the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

There have been speculations that bin Laden’s deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri would soon be named al-Qaeda’s permanent leader.

Bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaeda and the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 US attacks, was slain by US Navy Seals in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

His death has been viewed as a significant setback to terrorism but some sectors fear this would trigger retaliatory attacks. AFP officials have given assurance that they are prepared to thwart any planned attacks by sympathizers of bin Laden.

The US has expressed confidence in the Aquino administration’s capability to repel terror attacks and vowed to stand by the Philippines in the event of threats to its security.

“The Philippines is doing a great job (in fighting terrorism). We train and assist and we help equip here and in the US the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police),” US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said in an earlier interview.

13 military projects this year

The military will implement 13 projects worth more than P5 billion this year.

Oban said these include the delivery of troop carriers and combat utility helicopters, the upgrade of patrol vessels and the procurement of night fighting systems and aerial cameras.

“For 2011, we have 13 project deliverables,” he said.

Speaking at a forum organized by the Philippine Inform, Oban said six of these projects will benefit the Navy, four the Air Force, two the Army and one for the General Headquarters-wide Service Support Units.

The Navy will receive the delivery of one-ton troop carrier (P45,999), two-ton troop and cargo carrier (P80,499), patrol killer medium vessel (P279.97 million) and a landing craft utility (P178.93 million); and the upgrade of Jacinto class patrol vessel (P353.65 million) and configuration of a 20W radio (P231 million).

The Air Force will see the upgrade of the MD520 helicopter (P240 million); delivery of basic trainer aircraft (P621.67 million); combat utility helicopter (P2.86 billion); and aerial camera (P50.99 million).

The Army will purchase night fighting system (P341.5 million) and an audio-visual system (P37.89 million).

The military will also spend P13.43 million for the improvement of the AFP Medical Center Operating Room.

Oban has vowed to work for the implementation of the AFP modernization program.