Indanan, Sulu declares Abu Sayyaf persona non grata

The local government of Indanan in Sulu province has declared the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group as persona non grata in their respective communities.

According to the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Wednesday, a peace covenant meeting, led by Mayor Hermot Jikiri, was held on Tuesday where the lawless activities of the group, which included bombings and kidnappings, were strongly denounced.

The local government also expressed full support to the state's security sector in battling terrorism.

“We are declaring these terrorists as persona non grata here in Indanan and we vow to support the military, police, and other security agencies in bringing lasting peace and progress in our beloved municipality,” Jikiri said.

Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan, meanwhile, expressed hope that through the covenant, long-lasting peace could soon be attained in the province.

"We need to gain the people’s support because in unity there is strength. Let us take what President Carter once said, 'With the people, you can never lose; without the people you can never win,'" Tan said.

“This peace covenant is for us all, for 'Lupah Sug,' and for the 'Bangsa Sug.'" Never did we have this kind of peace covenant signing in the past. Now is the time for us to unite. We, leaders, elders, barangay officials, local government units, the AFP, the PNP, religious leaders, and the people must all unite,” he added.

Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Sulu chief Brigadier General William Gonzales said the support from the local government unit would "enhance cooperation between the security sector and the people thereby accelerating our campaign against terrorism in the area."

WestMinCom commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan said peace could be attained if "we will let synergy work out and bring forth significant breakthroughs."

Last month, the town of Patikul also declared the Abu Sayyaf as persona non grata in their communities.

The signing of the peace covenant in the locality came after the deadly explosions in Jolo town that killed 15 individuals and hurt more than 70 others. —KBK, GMA News