Aquino disappointed with military’s failure to prevent soldiers’ deaths in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino expressed his disappointment on Thursday, over the military’s failure to take steps that would have prevented another massacre of soldiers in the hands of armed groups.

“Ako talaga hindi natutuwa (Definitely, I am not pleased),” President Aquino said.

President Aquino expressed his sadness and sympathies over the loss of government troops.

Aquino dismissed calls for a revival of an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front after its encounter with the Philippine Army Special Forces resulted in the deaths of 19 soldiers.

“Nobody gets any benefit from war,” President Aquino said.

President Aquino said he would take up the issues with the military top brass in a command conference on Friday.

The MILF said the military failed to coordinate with the rebels, in accordance with their ceasefire arrangement, when they sent soldiers in an MILF area in Basilan, which had sparked the gunbattle.