Philippines rejects church plea to stop war against militants
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
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.
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.