None Of The Personnel Involved In Tinombala Operation Took Leave

Palu, Central Sulawesi,  (antarasulteng.com) - The chief of the Central Sulawesi police command, Brigadier General Rudy Sufahriadi, said all the personnel involved in the ongoing Tinombala Operation in Poso, Central Sulawesi, remained on duty during the Eid holiday.

"No one is allowed to take leave. All of them must remain in their posts except those who are ill," he told Antara at an Eid gathering at the residence of governor Longki Djanggola.

He appreciated the services of all Tinombala Operation personnel from the police force as well as the military for their spirit and sincerity in carrying out their duties for the sake of the nation and the state.

"At present, they are still in forests and remained there during Lebaran and also at other posts. The operation is continuing," he stated.

To support the military and police personnel in Poso to track down the members of the terror group led by Santoso, Rudy explained that he deliberately held Eid prayers along with a number of Tinombala Operation personnel and religious figures in the village of Tokorondo in the sub-district of Poso Pesisir.

He hoped that the operation would run as planned and they will be able to catch Santoso and 20 of his followers who are still hiding in the woods.

He appealed to Santoso and his followers to surrender and assured they and their families would be treated well.

"We do not want bloodshed to happen again in Poso. We will not be proud if any of them is shot to death," he noted.

Governor Longki Djanggola also appealed to Santoso and his followers to surrender and promised he would protect them if they gave an account of their activities before the court.