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Marine chief on Abu Sayyaf: We’ll get them


The head of the Philippine Marines on Sunday vowed to avenge the violent deaths of seven of his men at the hands of the al Qaeda-linked bandit group Abu Sayyaf last Thursday in Sulu province. “This only shows how barbaric these people are, so we will not stop until we get them," said Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero. Two of the fatalities were beheaded, while two others had hack wounds, according to the Philippine Navy. Among those killed was a junior officer, 2Lt. Michael Baladad. Their bodies had already been brought to the Marine Corps auditorium in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. “We are hurt in the entire corps but we are professionals, we will do what is necessary," said Guerrero, referring to the beheading. “They’ve done that in several of our encounters. If they find our dead men, they desecrate them." President Benigno Aquino III had already ordered a relentless operation against the Abu Sayyaf following last Thursday’s violence, which occurred inside an Abu Sayyaf camp in Panglayahan village in Patikul town. The military said at least 70 Abu Sayyaf bandits, led by Radullan Sahiron and Isnilon Hapilon, were inside the camp. The firefight lasted for four hours. Aside from the fatalities, 26 soldiers were also wounded in the clash. Despite what could be considered as a setback, Guerrero said there is no need to pour in additional Marine forces in the area. Malacañang, meanwhile, appealed to people in Mindanao to share any information they have on how the Marine soldiers got ambushed and ended up being mutilated by the Abu Sayyaf. Deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte described the incident was “more than unfortunate." “What happened there doesn’t have religious overtones, it’s not about religion. But it’s about respect for the soldiers and what they do. While it is expected because the soldiers have to do their jobs, its’ unfortunate it happened the way it did," Valte said. “To our countrymen in Mindanao, if you have information, please share it," she added. — KBK, GMA News

Tags: abusayyaf, sulu
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