Press Release
August 15, 2009

ON THE LATEST FIGHTING IN BASILAN

Even as we grieve with the families of our 23 fallen heroes and laud the bravery of our wounded, we should condemn the brutal and callous acts of the enemy in Basilan.

The government must take immediate action against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) force which violated the joint agreement on suspension of hostilities by reinforcing the terrorist Abu Sayyaf band that was targeted by our troops.

The search for a lasting peace in the southern Philippines will be futile if it is not the actual, principal goal, sought after by any of the contending parties.

Our people in Mindanao, Basilan, and Sulu have suffered long enough. It is time for everyone - Muslim, Christian, Lumad -- to come together and seize the initiative and work to finally end this conflict now.

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