CHR: Abu Sayyaf's 'barbaric' act violated soldiers' dignity

The beheading of two Marines in a clash with the al Qaeda-linked bandit group Abu Sayyaf in Sulu last week was a "clearl violation" of the servicemen's human dignity, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). In a statement of "strong condemnation" issued Wednesday, CHR chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales said the mutilation was "totally unnecessary" because human dignity should still be respected even in armed conflicts. "Behavior that disregards human dignity constitutes a descent to barbarism that has no place in the 21st Century," Rosales said. She said the Aquino administration has the obligation and responsibility to pursue the perpetrators "with speed and determination." In the same statement, Rosales expressed hopes that government efforts to catch those responsible for the beheading will not end up like what happened in the 2007 beheading of Marines in Basilan. "This should not go the way of the earlier decapitation of 10 Marines in Basilan in 2007 where the case/s that were filed against the perpetrators have been moving ever slowly," Rosales said. Patikul clash A total of seven Marines died following a predawn firefight in Patikul town. At least 26 others were wounded in the clash. The Marines from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11, 10, and 5 were maneuvering inside enemy camp near the vicinity of Tubig Magtuh in Barangay Panglayahan when the bandits attacked them Thursday last week. 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. The slain Marines were brought to Manila over the weekend and were given a heroes welcome led by President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay. The Abu Sayyaf is now on top of the Aquino administration’s “radar," the President said, noting that pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf will go on even during the holy month of Ramadan. Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, head of the Philippine Marines, vowed to avenge the violent deaths of seven of his men. “This only shows how barbaric these people are, so we will not stop until we get them," he said. — Mark Merueñas/RSJ, GMA News