Coal shortage looms amid Abu Sayyaf problem –Defense chief

The country could face shortage in coal if the problem with the Abu Sayyaf is not resolved soon, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, noting Indonesia's decision not to ship coals to the Philippines until the security of its sailors is assured.

"Yung coal natin na galing sa Indonesia ay pinigilan na ng Indonesia, wala na ngayong delivery and we have only limited supply of coal. So pagkanaubos ang supply natin, wala tayong power, so immediate yan. Crisis yan," Lorenzana told reporters Wednesday.

Indonesia supplies 70 percent of the Philippines' coal import needs.

Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi earlier said the Indonesian government ordered an extension on the moratorium on coal exports to the Philippines until there is a guarantee for security from the Philippine government.

His statement came after seven Indonesian sailors were taken hostage in the Sulu Sea last week. 

Because of this, Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte directed him to focus on neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent band of Islamic fundamentalists notorious for bombing and kidnapping activities, including of foreigners.

"Ang unahin natin yung Abu Sayyaf kasi yun ang utos ng bagong Presidente," he said. "We will address the Abu Sayyaf immediately para at least ma-neutralize sila ngayon tapos hindi na sila makakagawa ng mga ginagawa nila dahil it is affecting us economically."

Lorenzana said they already have a plan to address the problem but they still need to conduct meetings with the military officials to implement it.

"Pagka nakaupo na kami ng July 1st, then we will start planning siguro, immediately within a couple of days, na-implement na namin," he said. —Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News