Presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/LYN RILLON
The government should address the issue of poverty to end the decades-long armed struggle in Mindanao, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Sunday.
Binay issued the statement after 18 soldiers died in an intense daylong firefight with Abu Sayyaf rebels in Basilan on Saturday.
READ: 18 soldiers dead in 10-hr clash with ASG
“Ipinapaabot ko ang aking pakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng ating mga magigiting na sundalo na pumanaw sa Basilan,” Binay said in a statement.
(I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers who died in Basilan.)
READ: Over 100 ASG bandits fought in Basilan clash
The vice president said the tragic incident should be a reminder for the government to address the issue of poverty in the country.
“Ang masaklap na pangyayaring ito ay paalala sa atin na dapat tugunan ang problema ng kahirapan, na siyang ugat ng kawalan ng kapayaan sa Mindanao,” he said.
(This tragic incident is a reminder for us to address the problem of poverty which is the root of the lack of peace in Mindanao.)
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri flew to Zamboanga City and Basilan province on Sunday amid reports of heavy casualties on the government side. CDG
READ: Gazmin, Iriberri head to Basilan