Defeating Islamic insurgents in the Philippines will assume more importance than addressing the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Philippines incoming Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday.

Speaking in an interview with foreign media, Lorenzana claimed that violent and terrorist acts of Abu Sayyaf rebels are hurting the Philippines' reputation abroad, and incoming president Rodrigo Duterte is frustrated by the government's failure to rein in the group.           

Like Us on Facebook

"These illegal activities, including kidnapping, must stop," Lorenzana said. "I share the frustrations of the president and our people. We have to end this once and for all. This problem is giving us a very bad image abroad."

Since its formation in early 1990's Abu Sayyaf has been involved in a series of terrorist attacks, including the bombing of Superferry 14 in 2004, which killed 116 people. The bombing is widely considered the worst terrorist attack in the Philippines' history.     

Lorenzana added that Philippines new government would invest more money in acquiring military hardware to flush out Islamic militants from Southern Jolo island, rather than diverting the fund to beef up maritime security around South China Sea region.

Lorenzana's statement about the new government's defense priorities is likely to add uncertainty to Duterte's position on South China Sea. Critics have accused the Philippines incoming president of flip-flopping on the sensitive issue of the South China Sea.

The relation between China and Philippines is currently at a critical stage, with the International Tribunal in The Hague all set to deliver a verdict in the case brought by Manila that could undermine China's claim to the South China Sea.

Beijing has already stated that it would not accept the verdict. Beijing claims that more than 40 countries are supporting its refusal to accept the verdict. Earlier this week, a top Chinese diplomat visited Vietnam to garner more support ahead of the verdict.

TagsPhilippines, Islamic militant, South China Sea, China and Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte