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Abu Sayaff No. 1 on PNoy's 'radar' for atrocities on 7 soldiers


President Benigno Aquino III condemned on Friday the Abu Sayaff Group for mutilating the bodies of seven soldiers they killed in an encounter on Thursday in Sulu and vowed to redouble efforts to pursue the terrorist group. "I condemn these atrocities that are meant to put pressure on the peace process — to derail our efforts to counteract the causes of banditry, rebellion and terrorism. Let me be very clear: those who want neither peace nor progress are the ones who perpetrated this dastardly act," Aquino said in a statement posted online. "Mark my words: to those of you who perpetrated this atrocity, know that you are now number one on my radar. It might take some time, but make to mistake about it: you will be brought to justice to answer for your crimes," he declared.
‘Ultimate price’ Aquino ordered Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to ensure that every possible aid and assistance is given to the families of the members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 who "paid the ultimate price for the defense of our security and our freedom." Aquino said he will personally extend his sympathies and condole with the bereaved relatives of the brave soldiers. "I will be letting them know that pursuit operations will go on, and we will not stop until all those involved are captured," the President said. "As a tribute to our brave soldiers, we will redouble our efforts to attain peace. If nothing changes then their sacrifices would have been in vain. They will not be in vain. Our efforts to put in place the conditions for sustained peace and security for our people will not waver," he stressed. Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander Commodore Armand Guzman said military operations against the Abu Sayaff in Sulu under commander Radulan Sahiron and Isnilon Hapilon are still ongoing. Soldiers’ remains A report on the Mindanao Examiner said government soldiers who were wounded and killed in the clash were brought to Zamboanga City Friday. A separate report on Bombo Radyo said the remains of those killed in action were being brought to the chapel of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao where a Mass would be said for them. The Bombo Radyo report quoted some of the wounded soldiers as saying they had managed to fire back at the Abu Sayaff and kill many of the bandits. The remains of the Marines who were killed will be brought to Metro Manila during the weekend, the military said on Friday. A report on dzRH radio said the Armed Forces of the Philippines expects to have the remains of the seven soldiers brought home late Saturday or early Sunday. — MRT/JE, GMA News

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