MANILA, Sept 3 (AFP): The Philippine government rejected Monday an appeal from influential Roman Catholic bishops to end an offensive against Al Qaeda-linked militants that has displaced thousands.
Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said silencing the guns against Abu Sayyaf militants on the southern island of Basilan could only lead to further terrorist attacks.
"Combat operations in Basilan were surgically executed in order to prevent collateral damage," Teodoro said in a statement.
On Sunday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on the government to stop the fighting and allow families to resume their daily lives. It said among those most affected were children.
Philippines rejects church plea to stop war against militants
FE Team | Published: September 04, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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