Gov’t to hunt marines’ killers, won’t junk peace talks
MANILA — While stressing her administration’s determination to pursue the peace process to attain permanent peace in Mindanao, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today the government will not allow groups or people committing “barbaric acts to hide under the negotiating table.”
In a statement, the President reiterated that the people responsible for the brutal killing of the 14 Marines in Basilan last Tuesday must be brought to justice.
“We will run after those who killed our Marines but we will not run away from the peace talks,” the President said, adding that “Our desire to see the killers punished is matched only by our determination to forge peace.”
The Marines were ambushed in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan as they were verifying reports that the abducted Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi was being held in the area.
The President had earlier ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “to hunt down and arrest those who have treacherously killed” the soldiers, 10 of whom were beheaded.
The military said the attack was perpetrated by a joint force of Islamic militants from the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf Group.
” We will not allow those who committed barbaric acts to hide under the negotiating table. Only principled warriors deserve a seat on it,” President Arroyo said, referring to the government’s ongoing quest for a lasting peace in Mindanao.
Philippines to pursue peace talks with MILF despite Basilan ambush
Reds seek activation of NPA hit squads in cities After Ampatuan Massacre, 2009 a Record Year for Journalist Killings Worldwide CHR to military: Respect and protect human rights during martial law in Maguindanao Maguindanao, its political elite and a culture subservient to corruption U.S. Must Improve Responsiveness to Mass Atrocities; Absent UN Action, Make Clear Willingness to Act on Its Own, Says New CFR Report Martial law dilutes the Philippines’s human rights and democratic gains Martial law in Maguindanao sets ‘most dangerous precedent’ Lawyers will wear black armbands, ribbons in courts Law group shall file plunder cases against President Arroyo et al. UN Experts: Maguindanao massacre must be the start of a major reform process
Arroyo’s oil-price control a publicity stunt, cries Ibon Political Bloodbath Continues: Widow of Slain Activist Shot Dead New Wave of Protests Against Charter Change Set in April Comelec’s Automation to Worsen Election Fraud — Watchdog 2008: Another Bad Year for the Philippine Press ‘Unemployment Figures Wrong; Number of Jobless Higher’ ‘Nicole Is Not the Enemy’ ‘Nicole’: ‘My Conscience Bothers Me’ Is the Call Center Industry a Bright Spot for New Graduates? 6 Great Ways to Vent Your Frustrations Eating Dirt Is Actually Good For Children Australia Offers 150 Scholarship Slots for Philippines, Asia-Pacific mamert dolera: The horrible maguindanao massacre displays the “crueltiest 221; act of political warlordism... Don Untalan: I am also interested to buy (AROD) and the tall hybreed variety. Pls advice where to buy from Manila,... scott: Sports and politics do not mix. But the economy of the Philippines relies on Pacqiao. How much money would a... Bernadine Ebo: nov.11,2009 4:45 my husband and i wants to adopt